japan running news

On Mar. 26 it was learned that Kanto Gakuin University , which last qualified for the Hakone Ekiden in 2004, has hired female IAAF-certified coach Akari Kishikawa , 33, to join its coaching staff beginning Apr. 1. The Daiichi Seimei women's corporate team is led by head coach Sachiko Yamashita , 54, and the Ritsumeikan University and Josai University women's ekiden teams by assistant coaches Miyuki Tokura , 45, and Yukiko Akaba , 39, but it is virtually unheard of for a woman to be appointed to a university men's ekiden program staff. Kishikawa, who is qualified as a senior psychology counselor among other things, has a proven track record with two national titles to her name in the 800 m in 2010 and 2011. She will support Kanto Gakuin head coach Yoshitaka Nakagawa , 43, and is expected to play a key role in shaping a stronger team. At last October's Hakone Ekiden Yosenkai qualifying race Kanto Gakuin University finished only 23rd. Missing a qualifying spot b...

http://happy.ap.teacup.com/applet/wako5ac/20110716/archive translated and edited by Brett Larner click here for photos of the KGU party On July 15 marathoner Yoshinori Oda  (Team Toyota) attended an official send-off party held by his alma mater, Kanto Gakuin University.  Oda attended the ekiden powerhouse Omuta High School before running at Kanto Kaguin University and going on to the Toyota corporate team after his graduation.  Although busy with his World Championships preparations, through the considerate cooperation of the Toyota company Oda was able to attend the party in his honor. Kanto Gakuin University President Ono, Dean of Student Life Oyama and other members of the school administration made up most of those in attendance at the party, giving Oda their wholehearted support.  As an academically-oriented school Kanto Gakuin is far-removed from the Hakone Ekiden powerhouses, but inspired by Oda's success the administration has pledged to strengthen th...