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Showing posts with the label Kensaku Morita

New Generation of Japanese Mass-Participation Marathons Waking Up to Reality

http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20130125-00000301-yomidr-soci
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/life/news/130125/trd13012505000000-n1.htm
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/chiba/20130126/CK2013012602000123.html
http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNZO50998060V20C13A1L71000/

translated and edited by Brett Larner

Since the start of Japan's record-breaking running boom countless city and prefectural governments have started organizing new mass-participation marathons.  However, the widespread use of the standardized operation model employed by the Tokyo Marathon and Osaka Marathon has landed many of the new races deeply in red ink.  The issue of adapting race management to suit local conditions has begun to become of critical importance.

At the 2nd edition of the Osaka Marathon last Nov. 25, Yokohama Metropolitan Sports Promotion Division Director Yuji Nishiyama was in attendance to observe the event's operations.  "If they can do this here, why not in Yokohama?" he said.  And not onl…

Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Marathon Set for March 2010

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/life/trend/090528/trd0905282331012-n1.htm

translated by Brett Larner



On May 28 Chiba Prefecture governor Kensaku Morita announced plans for the Aqua-Line Marathon, a new race which will join Chiba with the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line bridge and tunnel system. Details are currently under discussion in conjunction with Kanagawa Prefecture governor Shigefumi Matsuzawa.

The first running of the new marathon is planned for March next year and will accept 20,000-30,000 runners. Current plans call for the race, which will include both a half marathon and full marathon, to start and finish at Chiba's Sodegaura Civic Sports Complex. Runners in the half marathon will turn around at the Aqua-Line's Umehotaru parking area, while marathoners will travel through the Aqua-Line's tunnel to Ukishima in Kawasaki before returning to Chiba. Both prefectures intend to work together to make the plan a reality.

Although many details su…