News Stories

26.2 miles of farmland and fighter jets - A local Japanese resident runs through the finish line during the 52nd Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni Marathon and Half Marathon at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, April 7, 2019. The event was held by Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni in order to strengthen the bond between the local Japanese community and the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Americans, Japanese relay message of friendship - Yoshinbu Tanimoto, left, a Hiroshima resident, and Kathy Chretian, a teacher at Iwakuni Elementary School, pose for a photo during the Iwakuni Friendship Relay Marathon in Iwakuni City, Japan, March 18, 2018. The marathon relay was a family-friendly event open to all ages. Many teams wore themed costumes from popular films, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and friendly competition. Events like this strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Japan and represent the purpose of Kizuna Stadium, where the event was held. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Running towards unity - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Aaron Joe, the Provost Marshal’s Office training noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), celebrates crossing the finish line during the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Juu-Gatsu 10km at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 21, 2017. The race helped build comradery between Americans and Japanese by introducing friendly competition. Joe finished 22nd out of 146 runners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera)

Station residents and Japanese participants begin a half marathon during the 49th Kintai Marathon on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan April 17, 2016. With more than 500 athletes, the marathon is one of the few events that invites Japanese citizens on the air station and provides a great opportunity for MCAS Iwakuni personnel to show support of their host nation through running, said Mai Tajima, SemperFit recreation specialist. The full marathon first place for the men was Yoshihisa Nagashita, 34, completing at 2 hours, 40 minutes, 21 seconds, and for the women was Hitomi Matsubara, 45, completing at 3:27:25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan D. Wicks /Released) - Station residents and Japanese participants begin a half marathon during the 49th Kintai Marathon on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan April 17, 2016. With more than 500 athletes, the marathon is one of the few events that invites Japanese citizens on the air station and provides a great opportunity for MCAS Iwakuni personnel to show support of their host nation through running, said Mai Tajima, SemperFit recreation specialist. The full marathon first place for the men was Yoshihisa Nagashita, 34, completing at 2 hours, 40 minutes, 21 seconds, and for the women was Hitomi Matsubara, 45, completing at 3:27:25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan D. Wicks /Released)

American and Japanese participants of the 2014 Kintai Marathon, which took place aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, run past a puddle, April 13. The Kintai Marathon is one of the few annual events that give Japanese citizens an opportunity to come aboard station. Approximately 800 people signed up for the full marathon, half marathon and five-kilometer walk. - American and Japanese participants of the 2014 Kintai Marathon, which took place aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, run past a puddle, April 13. The Kintai Marathon is one of the few annual events that give Japanese citizens an opportunity to come aboard station. Approximately 800 people signed up for the full marathon, half marathon and five-kilometer walk.

Runners prepare before the Hagi Castle Race that took place in Hagi, Dec. 8, 2013. The race consisted of three running distances, to include a half marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer competition. - Runners prepare before the Hagi Castle Race that took place in Hagi, Dec. 8, 2013. The race consisted of three running distances, to include a half marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer competition.

A Hagi Iwami Airport half marathon participant runs toward the finish line Oct. 20, 2013. Hagi is located on the western coast of Japan and overlooks the East China Sea. - A Hagi Iwami Airport half marathon participant runs toward the finish line Oct. 20, 2013. Hagi is located on the western coast of Japan and overlooks the East China Sea.

Racers take off from the starting line after setting their watches to help pace themselves for the 45th annual Kintai Marathon around Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni April 15, 2012. Racers began clumped together, but the pack quickly thinned as many racers sped past or dropped behind the rest of the pack. The race isn’t about winning for some competitors; some just love the thought of completing the race. The ability for all of these racers to complete the 26-mile race takes training and keeps these runners fit and healthy. - Racers take off from the starting line after setting their watches to help pace themselves for the 45th annual Kintai Marathon around Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni April 15, 2012. Racers began clumped together, but the pack quickly thinned as many racers sped past or dropped behind the rest of the pack. The race isn’t about winning for some competitors; some just love the thought of completing the race. The ability for all of these racers to complete the 26-mile race takes training and keeps these runners fit and healthy.

Competitors begin the Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni Modified Triathlon with a one kilometer swim here Sunday.The swimming portion consisted of two laps out to a buoy and back. The buoy was placed 250 meters away, but with the current and the turn-around point forcing competitors to slow down. 200 participants came out to fight their way through a 1 kilometer swim, a 32k bike ride, and two 4k runs. Many of the participants came from off the station in order to compete in something unique. Many different athletic events occur off base as well as on base giving people an opportunity to compete in teams or relays. - Competitors begin the Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni Modified Triathlon with a one kilometer swim here Sunday.The swimming portion consisted of two laps out to a buoy and back. The buoy was placed 250 meters away, but with the current and the turn-around point forcing competitors to slow down. 200 participants came out to fight their way through a 1 kilometer swim, a 32k bike ride, and two 4k runs. Many of the participants came from off the station in order to compete in something unique. Many different athletic events occur off base as well as on base giving people an opportunity to compete in teams or relays.

Darci Kruse, an avid runner, poses for photo on the sea wall where she runs every morning. Kruse began running when she became pregnant with her son Owen. After her pregnancy she continued running and began training for marathons. She now travels to different marathons around the world. - Darci Kruse, an avid runner, poses for photo on the sea wall where she runs every morning. Kruse began running when she became pregnant with her son Owen. After her pregnancy she continued running and began training for marathons. She now travels to different marathons around the world.