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Hyogo Prefecture Rethinks Withdrawal from Organizational Role in Kobe Marathon


On May 31 it was learned that a committee has been set up by the Hyogo prefectural government, Kobe city government and other involved parties to review the prefecture's earlier decision to withdraw from its organizational role in the Kobe Marathon after the 2022 edition of the race and to discuss how to go about staging the race in the future. The Kobe Marathon is expected to continue in its current form through its 2023 race, and that an arrangement will be found that will enable it to survive from 2024 on.

The Kobe Marathon has been organized in collaboration between the city and prefectural governments since 2011, a popular race that attracts 80,000 applicants for the 20,000 places in its field. But in December last year the prefectural government announced that as a result of changes in its administrative and financial management policies it will step back from its organizational role beginning in 2023 and support the event only in a sponsorship capacity. After further discussion between the prefecture and city regarding the race's future, the review committee is set to move forward with re-examining the decision and to try to create between the two parties based on their history of cooperation.

The committee will convene following the Kobe Marathon's 10th edition on Nov. 20 this year. While working on its methodology for conducting the race amid the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, organizers aim to make it easier for runners to take part and to better promote the event to promote the participation of local prefectural citizens. Recommendations are expected to be submitted in December, 2023. These policies are expected to be finalized at the Kobe Marathon Executive Committee general meeting later this month.

source article:
translated by Brett Larner

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