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February's Kashima Yutoku Half Marathon Canceled Due to Pandemic and Possibility of Flu Outbreak



The Kashima Civic Sports Association announced on Oct. 27 that the 70th anniversary Kashima Yutoku Road Race scheduled for Feb. 27 next year has been pushed back one year to Feb. 26, 2023. The KCSA cited the uncertainty surrounding the future status of the coronavirus pandemic and the possibility of a seasonal outbreak of influenza in its reasoning for the decision.

Every year the Kashima Yutoku Road Race brings together 1500 athletes, including many from the Hakone Ekiden, from both within and without the prefecture  In both the event's half marathon and 5 km divisions, athlete have the chance to take in views Yutoku Inari Shrine and the region's lovely countryside as they compete. 

The KCSA had examined the possibility of holding the race on a reduced scale, but taking into account issues including the size of the gymnasium at the start and finish used as a staging ground for runners, and the rate of vaccination among the junior and senior high school students who act as race volunteers, they decided that it would not be possible to put the race on with adequate safety protocols.

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translated by Brett Larner

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