Tokyo 2016 Bid Ambassador Kanpei Hazama today began an epic 'Earth Marathon', which will see him run and sail 36,000km (23,000 miles) around the globe.
In the process Hazama will help to promote Tokyo’s Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the heart of Japan’s capital city. The famous Japanese comedian will spread Tokyo 2016’s commitment to ‘Uniting Our Worlds‘ whilst he navigates more than 10 countries across the planet, inspiring people young and old to take up sport.
Hazama’s colossal endurance challenge will pass through the heart of Tokyo on 28 December and will include a stop in Copenhagen on 2 October 2009 – where he will throw his support behind Tokyo 2016 in the final stages of the campaign at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session and Olympic Congress.
The challenge will see him run for approximately ten hours, covering 50km per day while on dry land and sail 16,000km, until his journey ends in March 2011. In the spirit of friendship, his route will take him through the 2016 bidding cities of Madrid and Chicago, demonstrating Japan’s respect for the Olympic values.
During Hazama’s two-year adventure, Tokyo 2016 supporters will be able to track his progress on www.earth-marathon.com. The website will have real-time updates on his progress, links to his location on Google Earth, regular photo updates and an English-language blog.
An experienced runner and sailor, Hazama has participated in more than 70 marathons and ultra marathons including the renowned Hawaii Honolulu Marathon, the Greece Spartathrone 246km race and the 560km Tokyo-Osaka event.
Kanpei Hazama said: “As a Tokyo 2016 Bid Ambassador, I will make every effort to complete the Earth Marathon. I began preparing for the Earth Marathon 3 years ago, so I’m really excited to realise my long-cherished desire and begin this journey. I’ll never give up. If I have a stress fracture, I’ll rest for medical treatment and then get back on the road. I intend to run 50km per day; at that pace I’ll make it to Copenhagen by October 2nd 2009 − just in time to offer my support to the Tokyo 2016 bid!
“I’m about to turn 60, and I’ve faced my share of challenges in life. But I wanted to take up a major challenge on my own volition, so I decided to test my mettle in the Earth Marathon. I’m looking forward to meeting new people in new places all over the world. I hope that watching me run reinvigorates the old folks of my generation. Let’s use our power to bring home the Tokyo 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games! “
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO, Tokyo 2016 said:“Kanpei Hazama is undertaking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and Tokyo 2016 is delighted that he is using this great challenge to support us. He is a great inspiration to people, young and old, and embodies the Olympic Movement's values by demonstrating how sport can connect people across the world. We wish him safe travels and in turn, he can be assured Tokyo 2016 will be putting in marathon efforts to bring the world’s greatest sporting event to the very heart of our vibrant capital city. I am really looking forward to meeting Kanpei Hazama in Copenhagen.”
