Six very excited runners are due to fly to Japan in early November to take part in the 14th 246 Half Marathon held in Setagaya, a prefecture of Tokyo. Karen Clarke, Lorrie Morrison, Hannah Strike, Julie Hogan and mother and
daughter team; Brenda and Claire Kenney join the ranks of those runners who have previously participated in the runners exchange. Over the last decade the Bunbury Runners Club have sent 22 representatives of the Club to Setagaya (a prefecture of Tokyo), Japan as a part of the sister city arrangement between Bunbury and Setagaya.
The group will be very well looked after from the moment they are picked up from the Airport until they leave five days later. The runners have an action packed itinerary in which they will get to experience the wonderful Japanese culture and are bound to be excellent ambassadors of the club while attending a number of formal appointments including meeting with the Mayor of Setagaya. Everyone is looking forward to sampling all that Japan offers including the famous temples, gardens, tea, sake, shopping and of course, the run.
Apart from the half marathon, the trip is an excellent opportunity to reunite with old friends. Karen, Lorrie and Hannah are looking forward to meeting up with their billets from previous exchanges.
All Bunbury Runners Club representatives will be staying on in Japan to explore the sights. Lorrie, Karen and Julie will be heading to Kyoto on the bullet train, where they will experience the rich culture of this historic city and take a number of day trips further afield. Brenda and Claire are fulfilling a long held dream of travelling together and will head to Hiroshoma then on to Kyoto and Osaka. Hannah remains suspiciously vague about her plans.
Good luck to these ladies for your run and enjoy your trip! You will do us proud and represent Bunbury well!
Here for more information on Bunbury Runners Club role in the Setagaya Sister City relationship.
