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Kawauchi Takes Almost Ten Minutes Off Naha Marathon Course Record With 2:13:43 Win

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/athletics/news/f-sp-tp0-20141207-1406020.html



translated by Brett Larner

The civil servant runner Yuki Kawauchi (27, Saitama Pref. Gov't) won today's 30th anniversary Naha Marathon in a course record 2:13:43.  His time took 9:26 off the existing course record and he was more than ten minutes ahead of the 2nd-place finisher.  Kawauchi ran the Naha Marathon in preparation for the Dec. 21 Hofu Yomiuri Marathon, where he has set himself the goal of "going for 2:07."

The same day as Naha the Fukuoka International Marathon took place, the first domestic selection race for the Japanese team for next year's Beijing World Championships.  However, Kawauchi chose not to go for the Beijing team and instead opted to make his Okinawan debut in Naha.

Translator's note: As in his 2:12:59 course record win at the Fukuchiyama Marathon two weeks ago Kawauchi started fast in Naha, covering the first 5 km in 15:06 before settling into a steadier pace on the hilly course.  Click here for complete 5 km splits.
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