japan running news

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/ishikawa/news/20141201-OYTNT50262.html

translated by Brett Larner

Scheduled for Nov. 15, the 2015 Kanazawa Marathon's 42.195 km course has been certified by both the IAAF and AIMS, making it the only current IAAF-certified marathon course in the Hokuriku region.  The Kanazawa Marathon starts on Hirosaka Street in central Kanazawa, heading to a finish at Seibu Ryokuchi Park Field.  Runners pass by Kanazawa Castle park and the Kenrokuen gardens, getting a chance to enjoy the historic scenery and downtown skyline along the old highway west of Kanazawa Station.

IAAF-certified races within Japan are divided into mass-participation urban races like the Tokyo Marathon and Osaka Marathon, and top-level elite races like the Fukuoka International Marathon and Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon.  The 17th course in Japan to receive certification, the Kanazawa Marathon is expected to join the ranks of the urban races.

A spokesperson for the Kanazawa Marathon organizing …

translated and edited by Brett Larner
source article links at bottom

On Nov. 10 it was learned that Japanese citizens are unable to register for the Nov. 25 Beijing Marathon.  The reason for this is unclear, but according to Japanese government officials it is likely a retaliatory move by the Chinese government in response to Japan's recent purchase of the Senkaku Islands, known in China as the Diaoyu Islands, from a private Japanese owner.

The Beijing Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label event and is a member of AIMS.  It is unprecedented for a major race of this stature to exclude participants based on their nationality.

In registering for the Beijing Marathon on the official race website it is necessary to identify the entrant's nationality from a drop-down menu.  The option for "Japan" has been removed.  The organizing committee appears to be sending the message to any Japanese people interested in running that "Japanese citizens are not entitled to enter."

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