1919 People Run Kinshuko Road Race Led by Boston Winner Kawauchi

The 38th Kinshuko Road Race took place May 27th on a course starting and finishing in front of Nishiwaga Town Hall's Yuda Building. Runners from the town and from other parts of the country enjoyed the fresh greenery along the shores of Lake Kinshuko. A total of 1919 people were entered in the event's 14 divisions, up from 1899 last year. The scenic JAAF-certified course included 30 km, half marathon and 10 km races.

At the time of the start weather conditions measured at race headquarters nearby the start point were 23.1 C with 34% humidity according to race organizers. The 30 km and half marathon divisions started at 10:00 a.m., with the 10 km starting 5 minutes later. Under strong sunshine runners ran in the shade of the springtime greenery along the road, bathing in the sight of Lake Kinshuko. Local supporters cheered participants on from along the roadside.

錦秋湖マラソンスタート！ pic.twitter.com/CMxha4aCMu

— yuchiko (@yucchiru178) May 27, 2018

After becoming the first Japanese athlete to win the Boston Marathon in 31 years last month, Yuki Kawauchi (31, Saitama Pref. Gov't) ran the half marathon for the third year in a row, taking the top position in 1:07:49. Of his fourth time running Kinshuko Kawauchi commented, "I'm still feeling the after-effects of my race last week, so this was the toughest one so far. Next year I'll show up much sharper and make up for this time." Kawauchi plans to become a pro runner next April. Kawauchi avoided giving a clear answer about his plans to go for the Tokyo Olympic team, but, he said, "I have to get better at dealing with warm conditions."

source article: 
https://www.iwanichi.co.jp/2018/05/28/194345/
translated by Brett Larner