Lake Saroma 100 km Canceled Due to Pandemic

At the current time the number of coronavirus cases is on the decline across Japan, and bright signs have begun to appear on the road toward a resumption of normal activity. But in Hokkaido infections remain a serious issue, and with a resumption of activity a resurgence in numbers due to the increased movement and interaction of people can be expected. As such, it is almost impossible to foresee an end to the pandemic.

The Lake Saroma 100 km Ultramarathon is an event that brings together thousands of runners from across the country as well as over 2,000 local junior high, high school and university students, volunteers and race staff. With new variants of the virus remaining an ongoing concern, the organizing committee has determined that it would not be possible to stage the race this year in a way that would be safe for both runners and the locals who put it on. 

We are very disappointed that again this year we will not be able to welcome you all to the shores of Lake Saroma, but as the group responsible for this event we remain committed to putting it on again when the situation enables us to hold it with thoroughly safe protocols. We ask for your continued support of the Lake Saroma 100 km Ultramarathon. Details for a virtual event like that held last year will be posted once arrangements have been made. We hope that many of you will join us for it once again.

Lake Saroma 100 km Ultramarathon Organizing Committee

Translator's note: Lake Saroma is the world's premier 100 km, the site of both the current men's and women's world records. It was the first ultramarathon given official course certification by World Athletics.

source article:

https://saromanblue.jp/info/announcement37th

translated by Brett Larner