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Kaishin H.S. Names New Running Course After Olympian Akira Akasaki - "It's a Bit Embarrassing"


Kaishin H.S. in Kumamoto has named its newly-built running course "Akasaki Road." The course is named after Kaishin alumnus Akira Akasaki, 6th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. Akasaki turned up in person to run on the course at its opening. "To be honest it's a bit embarrassing," Akasaki said, "but I'd be very happy if someday another Olympian appeared from off Akasaki Road."

The Kaishin H.S. ekiden team has traditionally run in the area around the school for training sessions, but to ensure the safety of both the team members and local residents the school spent around 55 million yen (~$336,000 USD) to construct the new running course. One lap of the course covers 400 m and features two small hills. Along with the ekiden team, it is expected that classes and other school sports teams will make use of it.

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translated by Brett Larner

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