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Kawauchi Runs Marathon Course Record In Japan

  • By News
  • Published Feb. 4, 2013
Yuki Kawauchi is known for his toughness. Photo: IAAF

The “blue-collar” runner continues his winning streak.

Yuki Kawauchi prevailed in the 62nd Beppu-Oita Marathon over the weekend. The Japanese runner, who holds down a full-time job, won in a thrilling race against rival Kentaro Nakamoto.

Kawauchi is the fastest runner in Japan who isn’t a pro.

Nakamoto took sixth in last year’s Summer Olympics in London.

The pair fought from the second half of the race all the way until the final 2 kilometers. At that point, Kawauchi shook his rival and won in 2:08:15. His win was also a new course record, improving South Africa’s Gert Thys’ old mark by 15 seconds.

“I was hurting but I did not want to run a slow tactical race,” Kawauchi said. “I fell little short of my goal of 2:07, but I am happy to run faster than Hiroyuki Horibata’s time in Fukuoka [2:08:24]. After 21 marathon runs, I can now say with confidence how fun marathon running can be.”

For More: IAAF

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