Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon has
been held every year since 1999, to remember the Nagano Winter Olympics in
1998. This year was the fourteenth and
rather a special one because the event was cancelled last year in the wake of the
Tohoku earthquake.
Nagano Olympic Stadium
Two years ago I dragged myself around the
very flat and pleasant course in a backbreaking 4 hours and 57 minutes, but
this year was I doing a volunteer activity organized by the Japan branch of the
Junior Chamber International, an organisation which promotes humanitarian
activities. My wife’s brother is the
chairman.
The JCI assembled a group of foreigners,
made up of teachers like myself and university students, to help little
children make cheering implements (tambourines, maracas, etc) out of recycled items
such as plastic bottles and old milk cartons.
In total 23 foreigners participated, and a
good day was had by all. Here are some
photos of the event.
Our volunteer area.
The eventual men's winner, Francis Kibiwott, with Mt Iizuna (1917m)
in the background.
The crowds lining the final approach to the Olympic Stadium.
Me with "Nano-chan", the Marathon's mascot. Japan loves "cutesy" things.
Must have been really hot in that suit.
The men's race was won by Kenyan Francis Kibiwott in a new course record of 2:09:05, while another Kenyan, Pauline Wangui won the women's race in 2:34:22. The Wheelchair Marathon (21km) was won by Masayuki Higuchi in 44:37.
Feeling inspired, I might enter again next year ...
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