The truth about running in Japan

This article looks at the trend for long-distance running in Japan, where 20% of the population claims to be a regular runner.

The truth about running in Japan

Dave McCaughanMcCann WorldGroup Asia Pacific

The country has always had a strong tradition in distance running. Long before I moved here I noticed when watching the Olympics coverage, the very disciplined Japanese runners among the leading packs in the distance races. Years ago I became fascinated with the uniquely Japanese ekiden(long-distance relay road race) culture, more of which is mentioned below. On my many visits before moving to Tokyo I would join what seemed like hordes of very serious people as they ran laps of the famed 5km run around the...

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