MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Runners stretched and double checked their shoes, waiting and preparing for the sound of a gunshot.
As the start gun was fired, racers began the long push of the 45th Annual Kintai Marathon here, April 15, 2012.
Marine Corps Community Services hosted the event and allowed Japanese nationals to come on station and compete alongside station residents and the clock to get their best times.
“This is a great opportunity for Americans and Japanese to meet together, especially because the weather is really nice today and I can see their faces,”said Mai Tajima, MCCS recreation specialist. “They’re having a really good time.”
There were five different classes, which separated runners by age.
“For men there was three categories, a 29 and younger group, a 30-49 group, and an over 50 group,” said Tajima. “Also for women there were two classes, a 34 and younger group and also a 35 and above group.”
There was also a category set aside for teams of two if competitors wished to run together, said Tajima.
The race wasn’t only split up through competitors’ age groups, but also the amount of ground they covered determined who took home the gold.
“The race includes completing a 10k, a half marathon (approximately 13 miles) and a full marathon (approximately 26 miles),” said Tajima.
The race isn’t about the medals for some people though; some just love the thought of completing the race.
“For us it’s really fun because there’s a little bit of competition, but everyone is here with one goal in mind, and that’s to finish the race,” said Luke Peet, marathon runner.
The ability to simply complete the race takes training and keeps competitors fit and healthy.
“I think more importantly, it’s about getting out and doing physical activity,” said Peet. “Instead of sitting on the couch, I’m running 26.2 miles, no big deal.”