In 2017 we launched the Tohoku Miyagi Fukko [reconstruction] Marathon along the coastal areas impacted by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami as part of an effort to support recovery and redevelopment of the area. Along the way there were cancelations due to typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic, but even so the race returned in 2023 and 2024 with over 10,000 runners from all 47 of Japan's prefectures and from abroad. Participants praised the course, which let them see the progress of the ongoing recovery, the aid stations full of local flavor, and the warm hospitality of the volunteers.
The support and cooperation of a wide range of people and organizations, including local government, police, the fire department, medical personnel, local residents, volunteers and sponsors, made it all possible. We could not be more grateful toward every one of them.
But at the same time, costs continue to spiral upward, making it increasingly expensive to stage the race. Continuing to hold it means major steps in increasing revenue and reducing expenses. We have no intention of placing the financial burden on participants, or increasing safety risks, and we do not want cutting expenses to end up meaning a reduction in our support for reconstruction, which was the original purpose of having this race. After carefully considering the situation from all angles we have decided that it would be too much for our broadcast partner to shoulder most of the weight in hosting the event, and so it is with heavy hearts that we have made the decision to discontinue the Tohoku Miyagi Fukko Marathon.
We apologize to everyone who was a part of the event in the past and to everyone looking forward to future editions that we are not able to live up to your expectations.
The light shone upon the area by the Tohoku Miyagi Fukko Marathon has gone out, but our core motivation of contributing to the area's recovery from the 2011 disasters remains undimmed. The lessons and knowhow we have gained in the years we staged this race will enable us to continue to help the local community in other ways. It is our hope that what you all felt and experienced through our event will remain in your hearts, that that will help save lives in future disasters, and that help stricken areas with their own recovery.
We apologize for the sudden announcement, but we thank you all for your understanding.
Organizing Committee, Tohoku Miyagi Fukko Marathon
photos © 2017 Brett Larner, all rights reserved
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translated by Brett Larner
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