Japan: 38th Okayama Kibi Kogen Wheelchair Road Race Held
Wheelchair racers and other runners competing together
The 38th Okayama Kibi Kogen Wheelchair Road Race, supported by the Panasonic Group, was held on October 11 in Kibi Kogen City in Kibichuo Town, Okayama Prefecture.
Panasonic Connect Kibi Co., Ltd. has helped organize the event since 1998 and now jointly runs the event secretariat with Okayama Prefecture, Kibichuo Town, and businesses in Kibi Kogen City. The Panasonic Group has also sponsored the race since 2000, providing long-standing support.
With Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa in attendance, a total of 50 wheelchair racers and 1,438 other runners competed in three race categories: a half marathon, 10km, and 3km. Mika Yoshikawa of the Panasonic's Women's Track and Field Team competed as a special guest athlete, while Akihiro Akiyama, Senior Vice President of the Panasonic Connect Group, also took part in the 3km race.
Senior Vice President Akihiro Akiyama running in the 3km race
On the hilly course, wheelchair racers were faster on the downhill sections, while runners were faster on the uphill sections. As they passed one another, they exchanged words of encouragement, creating many moments of connection and interaction that truly reflected the spirit of the event. Approximately 770 volunteers, including Panasonic Group employees, supported the event, while about 6,500 spectators cheered along the course.
