New Okukuma Ekiden's First Running Canceled

On Aug. 31 the organizers of the new Okukuma Ekiden announced that this year's first running on Oct. 4 has been postponed one year due to the ongoing coronavirus saga. The 42.195 event was to bring together top high school, university and corporate league teams for the ultimate showdown with all teams starting together, collegiate and corporate runners covering the distance in four stages and high schoolers in seven.

The new race was announced in late April and gained attention following the cancelation of the Oct. 11 Izumo Ekiden, the traditional start of university men's ekiden season, when several top university programs voiced plans to instead run Okukuma to begin their seasons. But following discussions with representatives from the four towns involved in the race, the decision to move the inaugural race to 2021 was finalized.

A spokesperson for the organizers commented, "We apologize for not being able to meet the expectations of the athletes, coaches, officials, parents and everyone else who had looked forward to this race. We ask for your understanding. We will continue to work with the four municipal governments toward putting on our first edition next year, and ask for your continued support until then."

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https://hochi.news/articles/20200831-OHT1T50114.html
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