Aomori to Tokyo 1000km Relay Participants Now Being Accepted

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Sports and Culture Foundation will hold the "Road to Tomorrow: 1000km Relay 2015"from July 24 to August 7, 2015. This 15-day event will traverse the disaster-affected areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake. This marks the third year of the event, with the start date coinciding with five years before the opening of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This relay event connectsthe approximately 1,250-kilometer route between Aomori Prefectural Government Headquarters and Symbol Promenade Park in Koto Ward, Tokyo, across 162 planned sections. Participants cover each section via running (approximately 1-10 km per section) or cycling (approximately 10-30 km per section) in a relay format. Its purpose is not competition, but to convey efforts toward recovery and the current situation in the disaster-affected areas by passing the relay sash. It aims to prevent the fading of memories of the disaster and to deepen bonds between participants from across Japan and the disaster victims.

For the first time, ambassadors have been appointed for the event: former marathon runner Naoko Takahashi, hammer thrower Koji Murofushi, and professional wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kunieda. They shared messages such as: "We must not let the memory of the disaster fade. We will carry that in our hearts as we pass the relay sash," "We support the event's purpose of using the power of sports to boost recovery," and "We look forward to running the relay alongside participants."

The event features a "Fureai Running" segment where participants of all abilities and ages can run alongside top athletes. Other planned activities include mini-running clinics, local collaboration initiatives to boost excitement, and attractions.

Participant recruitment began on May 13 (until June 14). Approximately 900 runners and 100 cyclists are being recruited. Applications are accepted via the official website ( http://www.1000km.jp/ ).