Additional Cost of Moving Olympic Marathons and Race Walks to Sapporo Expected to Total Almost $100 Million

Multiple officials confirmed on Dec. 6 that the total additional cost of the IOC's decision to move the Tokyo 2020 Olympic marathons and race walks to Sapporo will be under 10 billion yen [~$92 million USD], likely totaling in the 7 to 8 billion yen range [~$65 million to $75 million USD]. The exact amount is still undetermined due to the IOC's rejection of the Organizing Committee's proposed two-lap course earlier this week, but the Organizing Committee intends to go ahead with this budget estimate.

Initially the IOC had decreed that the events should start and finish at Sapporo Dome. But with no access gate capable of handling a marathon, the construction costs necessary to make Sapporo Dome a suitable venue were said to be in the area of several billion yen [tens of millions of USD]. When the IOC made its proclamation that the road events would be relocated to Sapporo, the Citizens First Association group within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government estimated that the cost of relocating the events would be around 34 billion yen [~$313 million USD] based on the operating costs of the Tokyo Marathon. A direct comparison between the two events is difficult, but the Organizing Committee wisely made every effort to minimize the expected additional costs.

By utilizing Odori Park as the start and finish point for both the marathons and race walks, organizers are able to economize by reusing the materials and equipment needed to stage both events. Their decision not to install spectator seating also significantly reduces costs. Further savings will come due to the reduction in transportation and accommodation costs resulting from staging the events over a four-day competition schedule.

However, with the second half of the marathon course yet to be determined, the current estimate may still increase or decrease. Officials from World Athletics [IAAF] will visit Sapporo mid-month to finalize the course. Additional costs are expected to be shared between the Organizing Committee and the IOC. Expenses such as repaving roads will be charged to the local government and are not included in the above estimate.

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https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/athletics/news/201912060000950.html
translated by Brett Larner