http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/running/news/20140322-OYT8T00326.htm?cx_thumbnail=01 translated by Brett Larner The winner of Japan's first women's marathon and other dignitaries took part in a ceremony at Lake Tama in Higashiyamato, Tokyo on Mar. 21 unveiling a monument commemorating the race held at the site 36 years ago. According to city officials, the first women-only full marathon, the "First National Women's Turtle Marathon Race" took place in April, 1978, sponsored by the Japan Turtle Association . On a course covering three laps around the banks of Lake Tama, 49 women started the race, the oldest among them 71 years old. 46 finished. The Higashiyamato city government planned the monument in connection with its sports promotion and local revitalization initiatives. Including the base the monument measures 1.8 m tall, with a width of 0.5 m. According to Musashino Art University lecturer Yasuyuki Nishio , 47, tying the monument's design to it...
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