http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/347573 translated by Brett Larner Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Nobeoka in Miyazaki prefecture, the 51st Nobeoka Nishi Nippon Marathon pre-race banquet took place Feb. 9 at an area hotel. Including athletes and organizers, 300 people attended the banquet to share their hopes for a successful race. After the introduction of the 23 invited athletes, TV Miyazaki's Michinori Watanabe spoke on behalf of the organizing committe, telling the athletes, "I'm sure that you are all aware of Nobeoka's long history as a race where many of our best athletes get their start. I hope that each of you running tomorrow will be doing it with the intent of making your own name." Mayor Masaharu Sudo commented, "This year's race commemorates Nobeoka's 80th year as a city, but most of you are probably more interested in this being the marathon's 51st running. Nobeoka is Japan's A...
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