Sendai, Japan

Sendai is the capital of the prefecture of Miyagi in the northeast region of Japan, an area known as Tohoku. Map of Japan

Sendai Half Marathon

As part of the IRC's Sister City Program, Riverside participates in the annual Sendai Half Marathon, held in March when the weather begins to warm. This competitive event started in 1991 and includes runners invited from Sendai's other Sister/Friendship Cities (Riverside, Changchun China, Minsk Belarus, Gwangju Korea, Acapulco Mexico and Rennes France). In addition, Sendai hosts athletes from Dallas, Texas and Seville, Spain.

The 21.0975 km run is a tough competition officially authorized by the Japanese Amateur Athletic Federation. All runners start at the Miyaginohara General Athletic Field and finish in front of Sendai City Hall, on Jozenji-dori Avenue. Over 600 athletes participate with a minimum qualifying time of 1:35 for male runners and 1:40 for female athletes. As of 2003, the fastest race time for men has bee 5B4 n 1:01:59 and 1:07:59 for women. The race is traditionally preceded by a formal opening ceremony and ends with a farewell party.

The 14th Annual Sendai Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2004 with before and after festivities at the Koyo Grand Hotel. Mr. Glenn Anderson and Ms. Karla Adams will represent Riverside.

Glenn is a distinguished teacher at John W. North High School. In addition to teaching Psychology, he is the school's Head Varsity Swim Coach. Glenn is also the founder of North's recognized Multi-Cultural Council (MCC).

Karla Adams is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. She trains her clients at Total Fitness in Riverside. Visit her web site at http://www.KarlaAdams.com. Karla enjoys running, karate and any challenging competitive activity.

In addition to their participation in the race, Glenn and Karla will promote the mission of sister cities by developing mutual respect, understanding and cooperation - one individual, one community at a time.

Travel

Miyagi Prefecture is a leading cultural and business center. Sendai makes an ideal starting point for travel throughout the prefecture and the whole of Tohoku. Expressways and highways lead from Sendai to all parts of the northeast region of Japan. Railways, including the Tohoku Expressway and the Tohoku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Line, both run through the center of the prefecture 5B4 from north to south.

Weather

Miyagi prefecture is on roughly the same latitude as San Francisco, New York, and Rome, Italy, and has a moderate climate comparable to that of Washington D.C. or Paris (annual average temperature is 12.2C.). Scenery is varied and very photogenic.

Attractions

Sendai balances craft tradition and high-tech society, coupling a rich heritage with smart efficiency. The city is proud of its highly advanced metropolitan functions and facilities such as the Sendai International Center and Yume Messe Miyagi, both large-scale venues for international seminars conferences and trade fairs.

Even though it is the biggest modern metropolis in Tohoku, Sendai retains a charming natural atmosphere. The city is popularly known as "Mori no Miyako" or "City of Trees" because of its beautiful boulevards lined with zelkova trees.

Sendai is a center of learning: the academic record and principal representatives of Tohoku University have a strong internat 42D ional reputation. In addition, many tourist attractions, including the site of Sendai Castle and the Zuihoden Mausoleum, draw visitors from around the world.

Resources on the Net

City of Sendai invites you to visit, and provides information about

• Sendai's annual events
  • Sendai Half Marathon
  • Aoba Festival and Parade
  • Takigi Noh (traditional dramas presented outside the Sendai Museum South Garden and illuminated by bonfires)
  • Sendai Tanabata Festival and Parade
  • Hagi(clover) Festival (clover is Sendai's symbolic flower)
  • Sendai Pageant of Starlight (illuminated trees)
  • Hatsumode (firse visit of the year to a shrine or a temple)
  • Hatsuuri Hatsuri (first sale of the year)
  • Dontosai Festival (burning of New Year's decorations)
• Sendai Products
  • Woodwork
  • Lacquer Ware
  • Pottery
  • Fabric
  • Figurines
  • Food
• Transportation and Lodging