Mizuki Noguchi, the reigning Olympic Marathon champion, won the All Japan Corporate team Half Marathon Championships, clocking 1:08:49.
Taking off from the start, Noguchi was running completely alone just two kilometers into the race. At 10 kilometres (32:18), Noguchi was 56 seconds ahead of the chase pack that included Tomoko Ishii, Mayumi Yoshida, Ikuko Nagao and Yuki Saito. Despite strong winds that affected the latter part of the course, Noguchi won by a minute and 14 seconds over Yurika Nakamura (1:10:03).
“I was hoping to push with the fast pace alone, but the head wind slowed me after the turn around point,” said Noguchi after the race. “I hope to set another marathon record this year,” she continued, adding that she’ll also be aiming for faster times on the track.
Kazuyoshi Shimozato won the men’s race in his debut over the distance, clocking 1:02:00. Unlike the women’s contest, the men’s was extremely close. Seven runners entered the stadium together; after a mad sprint for Shimozato prevailed over four others. Each were credited with the same time.
Ken Nakamura with assistance from Akihiro Onishi for the IAAF
Results:
(weather: rain; temperature 8.1C, humidity 66%; wind 4.8m/s from North)
Men -
1. Kazuyoshi Shimozato, 1:02:00 (14:58, 29:40, 44:24, 59:01)
2. Kazuo Ietani, 1:02:00
3. John Kanyi, KEN, 1:02:00
4. Takashi Ota1, 1:02:00
5. Yuki Tanaka1, 1:02:01
Women: -
1. Mizuki Noguchi ,1:08:49 (16:19, 32:18, 49:00, 1:05:24)
2. Yurika Nakamura, 1:10:03
3. Mayumi Yoshida, 1:10:07
4. Tomoko Ishii, 1:10:10
5). Ikuko Nagao, 1:10:20
