On Feb. 1 the Toyota corporate team announced that Masashi Nonaka, 27, has transferred from longtime sponsor Osaka Gas to join the Toyota roster. Nonaka graduated from Kawanishi Hokuryo H.S. in Hyogo before attending Kwansei Gakuin University, where his achievements included a 7th-place finish in the 5000 m at the 2017 National University Track and Field Championships. Following his graduation from KGU Nonaka joined the Osaka Gas team, running track PBs of 13:35.94 for 5000 m and 27:58.38 for 10000 m in 2021. Last year he showed growth on the roads too, running 1:00:48 at the National Corporate Half Marathon and 2:09:57 at the Osaka Marathon.
In comments published on the Toyota team site Nonaka said, "I'm really grateful to have the chance to take things to the next level alongside incredible teammates and staff in a great environment. Thank you all for your continued support." Nonaka is scheduled to run the Mar. 5 Tokyo Marathon.
Toyota placed 3rd at this year's New Year Ekiden national championships. Its roster includes Tokyo Olympic marathoner Yuma Hattori, Oregon World Championships marathoner Yusuke Nishiyama, and national talents like Tomoki Ota and Tatsuya Maruyama.
translated by Brett Larner
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