japan running news

With regard to plans to hold the Fukuchiyama Marathon on Nov. 23, 2020, after examining the current status of the coronavirus crisis nationwide we have have come to the conclusion that there are grounds for concern about the potential for a second and third wave of infection. Because it would be difficult to adequately guarantee the safety of the athletes, volunteers, fans along the course, and everyone else involved in putting the event on, we have unfortunately had to make the decision to cancel this year's race. We thank you for your understanding of the situation, and look forward to the day coming soon when the threat of the coronavirus has been eliminated. We will do everything we can to make next year's 30th anniversary race better than ever. We look forward to seeing you all again then. Kazuo Ohashi Fukuchiyama Marathon Organizing Committee Director Mayor, Fukuchiyama Translator's note: 6,429 finishers last year, Fukuchiyama was the earliest of Japan...

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2016/11/24/kiji/K20161124013780460.html http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2016/11/23/010999.html translated and edited by Brett Larner 4,544 people were entered in the 29th Ohtawara Marathon in Ohtawara, Tochigi on the Nov. 23 national holiday.   Takahiro Gunji (25, Team Komori Corp.) won the men's division in 2:22:56, with Hiroko Yoshitomi (32, Team Memolead) winning the women's division for the second year in a row in 2:37:20.  Both runners were awarded the Sponichi Cup. Gunji came from far behind to score his first Ohtwara win in the last kilometer. Five minutes behind the leader at halfway, he left the chase pack near 30 km and began to pick up the pace.  Running into a strong headwind Gunji was discouraged by the distance to the leader, but, he said, "People on the side of the road kept shouting at me not to give up."  Doing exactly that, he drew closer and closer to the lead and around 41 km moved into the top positi...

by Brett Larner Monday's International Chiba Ekiden leads Japan's weekend action, with 13 teams from 11 countries competing over a 6-stage, 42.195 course that alternates men's and women's stages.  Defending champion Kenya returns with a surprisingly weak team of relative unknowns led by Matthew Kisorio in his first race wearing the Kenyan national vest since his drug suspension and, on its women's side, Mercy Kibarus .  On paper at least 7 teams have a shot at beating the 3-straight winners, but Kenya has come to Chiba with uncredentialed teams that have mopped the roads with the competition before and can't be ignored. The last team to beat them was the Japanese University Team in 2010, and this year's JUT is just as strong.  Meiji University 's Ken Yokote broke a stage record at the National University Ekiden Championships 3 weeks ago and, with support from Aoyama Gakuin University stars Yusuke Ogura and Tadashi Isshiki, Kyoto University ...

http://www.saitama-np.co.jp/news/2014/06/05/06.html http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/sports/article/20140606000163 translated and edited by Brett Larner Civil servant runner and Kuki, Saitama resident Yuki Kawauchi , 27, attended an elementary school track and field meet in Kuki on June 6, encouraging the 6th grade student athlete representatives from all 23 elementary schools in the city.  Employed as an office worker at the prefecturally-operated Kuki High School, Kawauchi appeared at the meet before going to work.  It was his second time putting in a guest appearance, having also attended last year, and like last year he ran in the 1000 m together with students from each school.  As he ran he called out support and encouragement to the runners, saying, "Only one lap left!  Keep pushing!" One boy from Aoge Elementary School who ran together with Kawauchi said, "Mr. Kawauchi ran totally under control with energy to spare.  He's amazing!"  Another boy from ...