Strolling through Tenjin wearing a polo shirt, jeans and a cap, no one would know that this young man is one of the fastest running humans – ever. But he is, and this month we are proud to introduce 21-year-old Kenyan native, four-year Fukuoka resident, and world-record holder for the half marathon, Samuel Wanjiru (58:33). Samuel is currently training in Kenya for the Beijing Olympics in which he will run in the full marathon. Despite having only run a handful of full marathons (in Dec. 2007 he won the Fukuoka Marathon and in this April he placed 2nd in the Flora London Marathon), he’s believed to have a good chance to take a medal this August. After the games he hopes to return to Fukuoka to continue his training. He says he loves the people, the food, and the climate here. Let’s all wish him great success at the Olympics!
Identity: Marathon Runner
Hometown: Nyahururu, Kenya
In Japan: 7 years
Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn115, Jul. 2008)
