Toray Industries returns to Shanghai International Marathon

Japanese industrial products manufacturer Toray Industries will return as a sponsor of the Shanghai International Marathon following a three-year absence from the distance running event.

Japanese news agency Jiji Press said Toray will be a founding sponsor – a second-tier position behind main sponsor Nike.

Tory served as title sponsor from the second edition of the Shanghai International Marathon in 1997, but cut its ties with the event in 2012 amid a rise in diplomatic tensions between Japan and China.

The 2015 race will take place on November 8 and other sponsors include timing specialist Seiko and fellow Japanese company,  architectural products firm YKK AP.

South Africa’s Stephen Mokoka and Ethiopia’s Tigist Tufa (pictured) won the men’s and women’s races last year.