japan running news

Still under discussion up to this point as to whether it could be held as scheduled on Oct. 11, the Izumo Ekiden has officially been canceled, with the municipal government of the event's host city, Izumo, Shimane, having already informed all major involved parties of its decision. Mayor Hideto Nagaoka , 69, held a press conference on July 27 to formally announce the move. Those involved in the event and fans alike had raised their voices in support of the event going ahead when news emerged last week of the likelihood that the city government would cancel it. Inter-University Athletics Union officials were desperate to avoid a cancelation as it would have a major impact on whether other major races including the National University Ekiden and the Hakone Ekiden will go ahead this season. But the coronavirus numbers continue to go up, not only in Tokyo but nationwide. The risks inherent in athletes and staff coming in from across the country coupled with the difficulty of s...

In an interview on July 21, an official with the Oct. 11 Izumo Ekiden confirmed that organizers are examining canceling the race, the first of the Big Three university men's ekidens along with November's National University Ekiden and January's Hakone Ekiden. As the number of new cases of coronavirus infection in the Tokyo metropolitan area continues to climb there are growing concerns about the safety of the 2500 volunteers and race staff who must interact with athletes and fans coming from Tokyo, leading to more calls for the event's cancelation. Izumo mayor Hideto Nagaoka , 69, is expected to hold a press conference on July 27 to make a formal announcement. Held in Izumo, Shimane, the Izumo Ekiden is the season-opener for Japan's ultra competitive university men's ekiden season. Ten schools from the greater Tokyo area are scheduled to compete. A spokesperson from the Izumo City Sports Department commented, "As far as holding it goes, it's all or ...