History of the Naha Marathon

Aka the "Naha–Honolulu Sister City Marathon Race"

The Naha Marathon is known as the "Festival of Sun, Ocean, and Joggers" according to the Naha Marathon Association and originally started in 1985. They even proclaim it to be one of the premier events of Japan, and it certainly seems worthy of that proclamation. The original idea for the marathon was to commemorate the 25 year bond between Naha and Honolulu as they have long considered themselves 'sister cities'.

The marathon provides an annual renewal and reminder of the strong intent to foster domestic and international interaction between the people of Okinawa and the rest of the world. The course is a full 42.195km long and covers almost the entire southern area of Okinawa stretching from Naha's central district over the majestic Naha Span bridge and all the way past such famous sites as Peace Prayer Park, and the Gokyusendo caves until finally winding its way back into the heart of downtown Naha and concluding at the beautiful Onoyama Park.

From what I hear, the Naha Marathon is the biggest race in Japan. The 2005 race had 22,806 registrations and 14,882 finishers! Fantastic! 

2006 marks the 22nd running of the race! Start preparing now to be in the 2006 Naha Marathon.

The Naha Marathon Association has a great History page showing all past medals and booklets here:

http://www.naha-marathon.jp/en/info/history.html

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 THE SIGNUP FORM HAS BEEN FIXED!!!