Qualified runners needed to run in Japanese marathon

The Culver City Sister City Committee, a non-profit international and intercultural community organization, is looking for one male and one female runner to run the Annual Osaka KIX Senshu International City Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 and to be guests of our Sister City Kaizuka, Japan.

As citizen diplomats, the two selected runners will reside with Kaizuka host families during the five-day stay. As marathon participants, they will meet other runners, not only from Japan, but from other countries around the world.

Applicants must be over 21 years of age, be regular runners, be fit and in training, be able to run a mostly flat course in winter conditions, be keen on representing Culver City and be interested in embracing, contributing to, and participating in the Sister City relationship while in Kaizuka and after returning home. Covered expenses include airfare, lodgings, meals and sightseeing. Selected runners will need to have their own international insurance.

Priority for qualified runners will be given to Culver City residents and employees who work and/or live within a 2-mile radius of the city. Applicants must have participated in a full marathon within the last two years (times must be verified) and completed the run within 4 hours and 10 minutes. Each selected runner will be required to become a member of the Culver City Sister City Committee and will be expected to reciprocate by hosting at his or her home a Kaizuka runner arriving in March 2023 to participate in the Los Angeles Marathon on behalf of Kaizuka City and Culver City.

Anyone who is interested in applying for this exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity should contact David Winslow, Kaizuka Marathon Chair directly at winslettes@aol.com or go to the Culver City Sister City Committee’s email: info@culvercitysistercitycommittee.org. All completed applications must be received no later than August 13 2022.