The cities of Fukuoka and Itoshima announced plans to hold a full marathon for citizens called the Fukuoka Marathon, and the initial reactions from runners and local businesses are positive. The marathon, which is slated for next fall, will start in downtown Fukuoka and end in Itoshima. An organizing committee will be established in October, and it will decide on the course and race date before year’s end. The goal is to attract at least 10,000 participants and make the marathon a regular event. Amid a recent health boom, several municipalities have started organizing full marathons for their citizens. Fukuoka was considering letting local residents sign up for the Fukuoka International Marathon held last December, but chose not to due to the cost of added security measures. Chairman of the Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce, Norio Sueyoshi, expressed his support for the new event by saying, “Efforts to promote sports and the local economy can revitalize the region. I hope this becomes a major event like Dontaku and Yamakasa.” Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Apr. 26
