Running: Japanese runner aims for #393 in Cleveland this spring...

Friday, March 18, 2005 - 11:58 AM

JAPANESE RUNNER TO STOP AND SMELL ROSES ALONG CLEVELAND MARATHON COURSE ENROUTE TO RUNNING 393RD MARATHON

CLEVELAND, (March 17, 2005)

Hajime Nishi, a 56-year old runner from Tokyo, intends to run his 393rd marathon in Cleveland during the 2005 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K on Sunday, May 22. Nishi claims to be one of the world´s slowest runners, and says he enjoys being the last runner to cross the finish line within the official time limit. Nishi has run marathons on all seven continents and is a self-described eco-marathon author who has been running marathons around the globe since 1995. His plan is to publish a guidebook next year on over 400 international marathons situated in 64 countries around the world.

Many of his marathon ratings can be found at his website, www.ecomarathon.org. As an eco-marathoner, Nishi considers himself a missionary for the environment, humanity and world peace and through running, wants to create a healthy, peaceful and harmonious planet.

Spectators lining the marathon route in Cleveland won´t have trouble spotting Nishi on his marathon run. He´ll be armed with still and video cameras and plans to stop more than a hundred times to take photos and videos from the course. Nishi says his slow running philosophy gives him the opportunity to enjoy the marathon experience, not just trying to run from point A to point B without stopping to smell the roses. His plan is to enjoy the natural beauty and friendliness of people, but to finish the marathon within the 8 hour time limit.

His 393rd marathon isn´t quite halfway to his life´s goal of participating in 1,000 marathons by 2049, when he turns 100!

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is one of the 50 longest running marathons in the country. A new addition to the 2005 race day schedule is a half-marathon along with walking divisions for both the marathon and half-marathon.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is now in its 28th year of providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. More than 250,000 runners have participated, generating more than $6.8 million annually to benefit the Cleveland community and raising more than $1 million for various charities.