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'The World-Famous Seko' Wows Celebrity Runners With His Comedy Stylings During Tokyo Marathon Training Session (updated)

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/society/news/2008/02/16/01.html
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20080130-OHT1T00080.htm
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/flash/KFullFlash20080129024.html
http://www.nikkansports.com/general/p-gn-tp0-20080129-313417.html

translated and edited by Brett Larner

13 comedians and announcers from Nihon Television are scheduled to run in the 2008 Tokyo Marathon on Feb. 17. Legendary marathoner Toshihiko Seko (51) oversaw the group's training at a practice session at Tokyo's Yumenoshima track on Jan. 29, overwhelming the entertainers with his wit and humor.

The group included 6 pretty young female announcers and 5 well-known comedians, but the one who made the biggest impression with his jokes was 'The World-Famous Seko.' Talking about Nihon Television's plans for a 7-hour broadcast of Tokyo, Seko commented, "They have too much free time. It's boring. This isn't the Hakone Ekiden!" After comedian Cunning Takeyama lost a 10,000 m time trial to all the female announcers, Seko told him, "You're no good because your name is Cunning. But then again, I only got into university through cunning....." When lovely announcer Maki Mori said, "I want to practice with Seko some more!" Seko quickly rejoined, "I wouldn't mind doing something a little more than just practicing!" Comedian Kunikazu Katsumata begged, "Mr. Seko, please start a new career as 'The God of Comedy!'"

During the 10,000 m time trial, comedian Sumiko Nishioka (33), who plays a dominatrix character in her standup routines, dropped out after 3 laps of the track (1200 m). Nevertheless, she snarled "I'm the only really serious one here. I'm going to beat all these cute little announcers!"

Tokyo Marathon supporter Mayor Shintaro Ishihara met with many of the celebrity runners on Feb. 15. Shocked by the obvious lack of fitness in some of the entertainers, Ishihara told them, "Take it easy out there, really. A television show isn't something worth dying for."

Also entered in Tokyo is Miyazaki Prefecture Governor and former comedian Hideo Higashikokubaru (50). After awarding prizes at the end of the spring Sumo tournament, the Governor ran the later part of the Tokyo course from Shinagawa to Odaiba on Jan. 27 as part of his preparation. Higashikokubara's blog said that he hasn't practiced enough for Tokyo and that he is worried. "This was my first run in 10 days. My knees didn't feel very good." This will be his first full marathon as Governor.

Translator's note: Seko was renowned and feared in his competitive days for his stoic, impassive race persona. As with last year, he is scheduled to sing at the Tokyo Marathon expo with his jazz group the Pankies.
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