http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/f_toshiken/article/126034 translated by Brett Larner The first running of the Fukuoka Marathon took place Nov. 9 on a course from downtown Fukuoka to Itoshima. A total of 12,156 people took part in the full marathon and the 5.2 km fun run and wheelchair divisions, soaking up enthusiastic cheering from local residents as the course passed through towns and along the seafront. The full marathon featured 11,173 participants including 7929 men and 2244 women. Rain that began falling the night of the 8th lifted just before the 8:18 wheelchair start and 8:20 marathon and fun run start from Tenjin Crossing outside Tenjin Station in Fukuoka. Light rain fell occasionally during the race, but with a high temperature of 18.4 degrees conditions throughout the day were comfortable for a marathon. 9898 runners, 7754 men and 2144 women, reached the finish line near Itoshima City Hall, a finish rate of 97.3%. Local runners led the day,...
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