Ibigawa Marathon Organizers Produce Masks From Bib Numbers

To help with efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the organizers of November's Ibigawa Marathon have begun producing masks from unused bib numbers from past years' races. The masks will be available free of charge through a lottery, and organizers will publish the positive thoughts and words of runners who apply for the lottery via the race's official social media accounts to help inspire others not to give in to the circumstances we all face.

Amid a national shortage of masks, the race organizers came up with the idea of using extra bib numbers from past years. The masks come in two designs, one with pleats to adjust its size and the other a three-dimensional type that fits to the face. The bib numbers are hand-cut with scissors using a pre-made pattern, and have elastics attached to go around the ears. One of the people making the masks, Michiyo Naito, 49, said, "We hope that these will bring back happy memories of running the Ibigawa Marathon and help make people's days a little brighter."

Race organizers will send the masks to 200 lottery winners by mail free of charge. People can enter the lottery on the city website from April 27th to May 6th. When entering, along with details like name and address people will be asked to include a short report of up to 200 words on their recent training and tips for staying positive and motivated. These will be shared on the Ibigawa Marathon's Instagram and other social media.

source articles:
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/gifu/20200422/CK2020042202000039.html
translated by Brett Larner