MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Over 650 competitors participated in the 39th annual Kintai Marathon, April 24, hosted by the Marine Corps Community Services IronWorks Gym.
Participants had a choice between running the full marathon, 26.2 miles, half of the marathon, or compete as a team of four, each running just over 6.5 miles.
The Kintai Marathon course stretched around the Station in a continuous ring. Participants had to endure the blaze from the sun and run around the Station four times for the full marathon and two times for the half marathon.
The winner for the men’s full marathon, with no apparent competition, was Yu Fujita finishing the race with a time of 2:43:6. In second place was Kazuyuki Adachi with a time of 2:51:57.
“This was Fujita’s first time competing in the Kintai Marathon,” said Tadamasa Uemura, MCCS IronWorks Gym recreation specialist. “I was surprised that he got first place with such a large gap. He doesn’t compete in these kind of events often.”
For the women’s division, Keiko Okabe finished the full marathon first with a time of 3:17:13. Yoko Hatanaka, trailing less than a minute behind, finished with a time of 3:17:48.
“The course on base is so long,” said Frank J. Phillips, marathon participant. “Every time I would run around a corner I would expect to see a finish line that was never there.”
With over 650 participants of all abilities and ages, there was a high level competition.
“There was definitely some tough competition here today,” said Chihiro Hiraoka, after finishing the half marathon course in 2:18:16. “It was hard to do, but a lot of fun. I had a great time.”
The motive to running a marathon consisting of 26.2 miles is incomprehensible to some people, but to the competitors it was crystal clear.
“We are doing the presidential physical training challenge and this was one of the events that we had to participate in to win the overall prize of a trophy and party fund,” said Scott Nickson, Recovery Team participant. “Even if we weren’t in the presidential competition we would have run anyway because it’s good physical training.”
Fans cheering on the side of the road were the motivation for the runners.
“I don’t understand how they do it,” said Michael Inclan, who was cheering on the runners. “I am here to support everyone participating, if I wasn’t on crutches I would be out there running with them.”
Overall the event was successful, bringing in 1,100 spectators, participants and service members who enjoyed the competition.
“The Kintai Marathon is one of our larger events,” said Tracy Morgan, MCCS IronWorks Gym fitness coordinator. “Every year it gets bigger and better. It is not just about running the fastest time, this event is about everyone coming out and supporting one another. It is a big family and community event.”