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Kawauchi Wins Kahoku Shinpo Kinshuko 30 km

http://www.kahoku.co.jp/tohokunews/201605/20160530_14028.html

translated by Brett Larner

The 36th Kahoku Shinpo Kinshuko Road Race took place May 29 in Nishiwaga, Iwate, with 2000 runners from across the country joining in.  Never giving up in the face of unseasonable summerlike heat, each of them gave it their best to meet their own personal goals.  Local residents, fans and supporters cheered on 2014 Incehon Asian Games marathon bronze medalist Yuki Kawauchi (Saitama Pref. Gov't).

Following his 2014 Kahoku appearance, Kawauchi ran in the 30 km division, beating second place by six minutes to win in 1:35:20.  "It was a pretty hilly course, but I was able to keep pushing without slowing down," he said post-race, giving himself a positive evaluation of his performance.  Temperatures at the start were a very hot 28 degrees.  "That wasn't the kind of weather I was expecting," Kawauchi said, "but it's pretty typical of what the Olympics and World Championships are like.  This course lets you get a good idea of your stamina and speed.  It was a great training run."

Kawauchi was also excited to return to Kahoku to enjoy the local specialties and hospitality.  "I was looking forward to enjoying the local milk they give out after the finish," he said.  "The local crowd support was very warm and from the heart."  Targeting next year's London World Championships he plans to run December's Fukuoka International Marathon.  "Everything is going well," he said confidently.  "My goal is to win Fukuoka in 2:07."

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