a press release from the Nagoya Women's Marathon organizers
The event hosted 21,436 runners in 2019, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it only staged an elite race with 110 athletes in 2020. The 2021 race was held as the first mass participation road race in Japan since the COVID-19 pandemic started and welcomed 4,704 domestic runners. A post-event investigation found no cases of infection among event participants within two weeks after race day.
The 2021 race was recognized for setting an example of ‘new-normal’ distance racing with all suitable measures against infection delivered and the advice of medical professionals and local government officials followed, paving the way for the organization of safe road racing during the pandemic. Using the knowledge and expertise in infection prevention and control practice accumulated over the past two years, the organizers are determined to make thorough preparations and develop further anti-infection measures for the 2022 race to safely host 22,000 women runners.
If the event is forced to be downsized or canceled due to a state of emergency or event restrictions issued by the Japanese or local government, participation in a virtual marathon will be offered as a substitution. The virtual participation option will be also offered to international runners if they cannot come to the event due to travel restrictions.
Koji Kitano, Race Director of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon commented, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to welcome 22,000 women runners and support their marathon challenge for the past two years. As a runner myself, I understand how running fans around the world are waiting for mass races to return. We will use our experience from the past two races held during the pandemic to act in best practice to ensure the health and safety of 22,000 runners. Race entries will start in November and we are looking forward to receiving applications from many runners.”
photo c/o Nagoya Women's Marathon press office
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