In Japan running has become very popular, along with automobile sports. The current winning ratio is 10 times that of the Tokyo Marathon.
Fashionable cycling shops have started to open, one after another, and fast cars race back and forth on the city streets.
These endurance-type sports have never been this popular before.

Another popular endurance sport is the triathlon; where running, biking, and swimming are done in one race. It is believed that younger management is the reason why this sport has started to shine.

The general Olympic distance race is 1.5km for swimming, 40km for biking, and 10km for running. Within those categories there are even longer, more severe races such as 3.8km for swimming, 180km for biking, and 42.195km for running.

In Japan the triathlon has been gaining popularity and in each area there have been races held.

On September 18th, and 19th, the “2011 Triathlon World Series Yokohama” was held at Yokohama’s Yamashita Park. On the first day the “age division” (general/relay/handicapped) was held, where 1200 participants, from teens to those who 70’s years of age, participated. On the second day was the “elite division” where participants from different countries competed.

There was also a race to choose the London Olympic National team as well.

Let’s announce what the age division held on the 18th was like.
Under clear skies, the race was held.
The groups were divided by gender, and each group started differently. In the swimming competition, the swimming caps worn by the participants were different colors depending on the group.
First, they swaw in the Yamashita Park ocean for 1.5km (2 rounds of 750 meters).

After swimming they ran to the transition area where there were bikes. There were many expressions of those who could continue going, and those who were exhausted from swimming.

After getting on the bikes, they rode for 40km, 6 rounds of Yamashita Park, Yamashita pier. The Hotel New Grounds in front of Yamashita Park was where the participants turned; it was fun to watch the increase and decrease of the biker’s speed.

After the cycling, they finished the race by running. After running 10km around Yamashita Park’s Zonohana Park they reached the finish line.

High fiving friends before the goal!

And to the finish line with both hands raised in the air!

This competition explores Yokohama’s tourist attractions. On the edge of the streets were a lot of people, cheering the participants on.

For those of you who are interested in the triathlon, although it may cost money to prepare, why not start practicing for next year’s competition??