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Kobe Organizes Public Viewing of Noguchi`s Olympic Marathon

http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/news/sports/0001262952.shtml

translated by Brett Larner

In honor of defending Olympic marathon champion Mizuki Noguchi`s frequent presence in the city for work with her company Sysmex and for events such as the All-Japan Women`s Half Marathon, the city of Kobe will hold a free public viewing of Noguchi`s attempt to become the first woman to win two Olympic marathon gold medals when she runs the Beijing Olympics women`s marathon on Aug. 17th.

The viewing will be held at Kobe`s Civic Central Gymnasium and will open at 7:45 a.m. The marathon begins at 8:30. Former women`s marathon national record holder and Kobe native Yoshiko Yamamoto will be on hand as a guest commentator during the broadcast of Noguchi`s race. Towels personally signed by Noguchi and other prizes will be given away, and attendees can also sign a poster which will be given to Noguchi. A fitness check corner and other services will also be available.

1200 seats are available; elementary and junior high school students must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact the Kobe City Sports Education Bureau at 078-322-5803.

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