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KENYA EMBASSY FUN RUN IN CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF KENYA- JAPAN RELATIONS

11th October 2023

(L-R): Mr. Benjamin NGANDU, Mibu Town, Mr. Daniel KITONYI, TRACK TOKYO, Mr. Paul ONYIEGO, Mt. Fuji Springs Inc., H.E. Amb. Tabu IRINA, Ambassador of Kenya Embassy in Japan, Mr. Edwin KISALSAK, Mt. Fuji Springs Inc., Isaac NDIEMA, Mazda Motor Corporation

H.E. Ms. Tabu IRINA, MBS, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Japan led the Kenya Embassy in hosting a Fun Run in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Kenya- Japan Diplomatic relations on Sunday, 24th September 2023 at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park. The event was graced by Mr. Kazuhiro Yagi, Director, International Affairs Division, Japan Sports Agency as the Guest of Honour, Hon. Kazuya Kosuge, Mayor of Mibu Town, and members of the Diplomatic Corp who also participated in the fun-run.

Sports is as a key sector in Kenya’s national development and Kenya’s Foreign Policy recognizes Sports Diplomacy as an integral component under the Cultural Diplomacy Pillar. In the speech by H.E. the Ambassador, she congratulated all Kenyan athletes and other sportsman and women in the world who continue to raise Kenya’s profile and bestow a lot of honour to the country.

The event brought together close to 300 runners including children who participated in the different segments of the event. The Elite segment was an opportunity for running enthusiasts to test their abilities alongside professional athletes in the challenge of a professionally paced and most importantly a fun-filled run. A total of 9 professional athletes participated in the elite run - 3 Japanese athletes and 6 Kenyan athletes based in Japan.

The Ekiden run was a fun relay that celebrated team work. The aim was for all teams to have completed a total of at least 60 laps in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Kenya-Japan relations. The Ekiden teams ran a total of 209 laps.

The family run was an easy paced circuit that attracted the participation of children alongside their parents and guardians. Children were also able to take part in a special safari treasure hunt.

The event was organized with support from the following partners - Comodi-iida Co., Ltd., GMO Internet Group, Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kao Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mt. Fuji Springs Inc., ND Software Co., Ltd., Shiseido Running Club, SUBARU Corporation, U.S.E. Co., Ltd. and Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd.

H.E. Amb. Tabu IRINA delivers her opening remarks

Mr. Kazuhiro Yagi, Director, the Guest of Honour delivers his remarks

Participants warm-up with Japanese traditional exercise called “Radio Exercise”.

H.E. Amb. Tabu IRINA and Mr. Kazuhiro YAGI flag-off the start of Elite Fun Run on the start line

H.E. Amb. Tabu IRINA and Hon. Kazuya KOSUGE, Mayor of Mibu Town, flag-off the start of Ekiden Fun Run on the start line

H.E. Amb. Tabu IRINA and Mr. Noriyuki TAKIMURA, Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation, flag-off the start of Family Fun Run on the start line

Group Photo with all participants at the park

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