japan running news

http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/article/2012/05/25/0005081854.shtml translated and edited by Brett Larner On May 24, comedians  Tamori  (66) and Tsurubei Shofukutei  (60) appeared with SMAP members Masahiro Nakai  (39), Tsuyoshi Kusanagi  (37) and Shingo Katori  (35) at a press event annouｎcing Fuji TV's July 21 "FNS 27-Hour TV 'It's OK to Laugh!' Midsummer Super Unity Special." Kusanagi revealed that during the 27-hour live broadcast he will run a 100 km ultramarathon.  With regard to the program's theme of "unity," Kusanagi said, "I'm going to be number one, thanks to the power of unity!  If you all give me your support and hope, that is.  I think it's going to be really hard but I'll do my best," promising to deliver an "emotional run."

http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100609/gnf1006090505001-n1.htm translated by Brett Larner 2009 Miss International Queen pageant winner Ai Haruna , 37, announced at a Tokyo-area press conference on June 8 that she intends to run a 100 km ultramarathon as part of Nihon TV's "24 Hour Television 33: Love Will Save the Earth" annual charity fundraiser on August 28 and 29. Haruna made the announcement after appearing on the TV program "Ten O'Clock Witches," nervously saying, "I'm pretty worried about it but I'll do my best." The 100 km event, which each year follows a celebrity runner over the course of the broadcast, became part of 24 Hour Television in 1992. Six women have taken part so far, but Haruna will be the first transsexual celebrity to have run. Last year Haruna undertook a strict diet and exercise regimen to get into shape for the Miss International Queen "new half" transsexual and transgender beauty pageant, becoming the ...