MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 600 Japanese and American athletes participated in the 36th Annual Kintai Bridge Marathon at the Main Gym April 27. Though many participated in the event, in the end only one pulled away from the pack for the win.
Toru Higashi was the first to cross the finish line, with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, 29 seconds. Manabu Isozaki won the half marathon with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, 18 seconds, while Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 Avionics captured the team title, with a time of 2 hours, 55 minutes, 48 seconds.
The full race course, which spanned 42 kilometers in four laps around the Station, was not only designed to promote fitness, but also a sense of community.
"The purpose of the marathon is to build good community relations with the Japanese," said Billie Scott, Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit Health Promotions director. "Units also got a chance to compete against each other, as well as against civilians and individual service members."
While individuals in the event competed against each other, the chance to share the same road also helped bring them together.
"Any time Americans and Japanese get together, it builds camaraderie," said DeWayne Smith, Provost Marshal's Office team member. "We do the same thing, we sweat the same sweat. I think the relationship between the U.S. and Japanese improves every time we do something like this."
One thing that helps make the marathon unique is the bond between people from diverse cultures.
"There's a big difference from other events, because you're running against U.S. service members," said Higashi. "I was very glad to have an opportunity to run against them, and I was encouraged to do better by competing with them."
Before the event, much individual effort was required to perform at peak levels.
"I've been training very hard every day," said Higashi.
The training that goes into a marathon helps promote a healthy lifestyle.
"To practice for a 42k run almost every day and to keep running is good for a runner's health," said Tadamasa Uemura, recreation specialist. "Health is always number one. People must be in good condition for their lives."