Mar 27, 2009

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki

TOKYO (NNS) -- More than 50 Sailors from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) participated in the 2009 Tokyo Marathon March 22.

Approximately 30,000 people participated in the run through downtown Tokyo, passing such landmarks as Tokyo Tower, the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and the Imperial Palace.

Officials closed off 22 miles of Tokyo roads for the race which attracted thousands of spectators. Lt. Rebecca Frazer, a Fortville, Ind., native, said she enjoyed the camaraderie she experienced with her fellow marathoners and took encouragement from the cheering spectators.

"The Japanese people were cheering the whole way," said Frazer, who finished in 3:08. "I couldn't quite understand what they were saying but the fact is, the support was there and it was great.

"It was also really cool to see the city and to get to know the other marathoners a little better," she added.

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Lt. Cmdr. Vinny Wood, a Long Island, N.Y., native who finished the race in three hours to qualify for the Boston Marathon, said he prepared for the race for nearly six months, on some days logging up to 20 miles.

"Even if you don't complete a marathon, you can train for any race, and it will keep you in shape," Wood said.

"You'll be able to pass the [physical readiness test] - guaranteed," he added.

Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Mike Raney of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., said many runners from CFAY and Yokota Air Base stayed in the same Tokyo hotel the night before the race.

"The place was packed with military people who put in the hard work to do stuff like this," said Raney. "I think that says a lot about the culture of fitness and that people are taking it seriously."

Raney, who crossed the finish line in 2:48, said motivation, dedication and hard work are key factors for people who want to improve their run times or increase their fitness.

"When it gets tough, don't give up," said Raney. "I respect everybody who goes out there and gives it a go, puts in the work and tries their hardest. You don't have to be a super star to be a runner; you just have to be somebody willing to do the work."

The Tokyo Marathon is organized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and has become an international event. This year, the event is also a qualifier for the Japanese Men's National Team at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships.

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