Nagasaki Announces Plans to Host Marathon Promoting Peace

Nagasaki has announced plans for the city's first full marathon, to be held in 2020 in the 75th anniversary year of the American nuclear bombing. The costs necessary for planning and preparing for the marathon will be included in the next fiscal year's budget.

Nagasaki hopes to use the marathon as an opportunity to promote the message of peace on the milestone 75th anniversary of the United States' use of weapons of mass destruction on the city. As Nagasaki's first full marathon, city government officials have already consulted with the police department and other agencies regarding measures to reduce traffic problems and to maximize runners' safety. Based upon those discussions plans call for the race to go ahead with a course starting and finishing at Nagasaki Peace Park and running around the Nagasaki Port area, offering a representative view of the Nagasaki seaside.

The race is being planned for November, 2020 with a field of 10,000 runners. Along with the 42.195 km full marathon, the event will feature a wheelchair race to encourage the participation of the disabled. If the necessary expenses are approved by the City Council as part of next year's budget, the race's executive committee will be named following the start of the fiscal year in April.

source article: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/nagasaki/5035067451.html
translated by Brett Larner

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