http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20161204/ath16120418410006-n1.html
translated by Brett Larner
photo by Dr. Helmut Winter
At the Dec. 4 Fukuoka International Marathon, civil servant runner Yuki Kawauchi (Saitama Pref. Gov't) was the top Japanese man at 3rd overall in 2:09:11, putting his name at the top of the list for 2017 London World Championships team consideration. Newly-appointed JAAF Long Distance and Marathon Development project leader Toshihiko Seko praised Kawauchi's aggressiveness in the race, saying, "That was running of tremendous value. It'd be OK if he's chosen [for the London team]." Seko also emphasized the fact that Kawauchi produced results off his training load, which included a 100-km run. "I think young people learned something from that," he said. Beaming with positivity at the conclusion of the first World Championships selection race, Seko said, "This was a good first step. I want to say thank you to Mr. Kawauchi."
photo © 2016 Dr. Helmut Winter
all rights reserved
photo by Dr. Helmut Winter
At the Dec. 4 Fukuoka International Marathon, civil servant runner Yuki Kawauchi (Saitama Pref. Gov't) was the top Japanese man at 3rd overall in 2:09:11, putting his name at the top of the list for 2017 London World Championships team consideration. Newly-appointed JAAF Long Distance and Marathon Development project leader Toshihiko Seko praised Kawauchi's aggressiveness in the race, saying, "That was running of tremendous value. It'd be OK if he's chosen [for the London team]." Seko also emphasized the fact that Kawauchi produced results off his training load, which included a 100-km run. "I think young people learned something from that," he said. Beaming with positivity at the conclusion of the first World Championships selection race, Seko said, "This was a good first step. I want to say thank you to Mr. Kawauchi."
photo © 2016 Dr. Helmut Winter
all rights reserved
Comments
Understandably, the marathon is YK's (coincidentally, he shares initials with Yiannis Kouros...) primary event. He certainly has the leg speed for the 50K and 100K world records. We know he's got the wheels to last 50K. Would he have any interest in representing Japan in the 50K and or 100K World Championship? The absolute 100K WR is 6:10 (track) held by Don Ritchie. The road record is just a few minutes slower.