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JAAF Cuts Domestic Cross-Country Season Back to One Race

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/athletics/news/1580556.html

translated and edited by Brett Larner

The JAAF has announced that beginning with next year's edition on Feb. 27, the Fukuoka International Cross-Country Meet will become the Japan Cross-Country Championships.  The male winner will be guaranteed a place in the 10000 m at the National Track and Field Championships, with the women's winner able to choose between the 5000 m and 10000 m.  The new format will also serve as the official selection event for the World Cross-Country Championships national team.

Up to now Fukuoka has been one of two major domestic cross-country meets along with the Chiba International Cross-Country Meet, but the JAAF will now position Fukuoka as the meet for top-level athletes, with Chiba becoming the National Junior High School Cross-Country Championships and a race for amateurs.  The next edition of Chiba will be held on Feb. 14.
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