Around Japan, an increasing number of municipalities are holding full marathons for their citizens. Kitakyushu City, which will held its first such marathon on Feb. 9., saw twice as many applicants for 10,000 lottery spots. The marathon course passes by the city’s major sites, including Spaceworld and the Mojiko Retro district, and about 60% of runners will hail from outside the city. Kitakyushu officials anticipate the economic impact from money spent on hotels and other goods and services to reach ¥570 million. This November, the cities of Fukuoka and Itoshima will host the Fukuoka Marathon, a full citizen’s marathon, in an effort to “boost the number of Fukuoka fans.” According to Yukiko Shimojo, editor of the monthly Japanese running magazine Runners, the popularity of marathons really gained traction in 2007 with the Tokyo Marathon. She says the most important thing in running a successful marathon is the ability of a town or city to gain the understanding and cooperation of its citizens. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 2/8
Image source: Kitakyushu Marathon
