On Sunday, March 11th, we will host a charity run for our readers.
LOUNGE / FEATURES
April 20, 2015

On Sunday, March 11th, we will host a charity run for our readers.


Charity Run for Children Held on Sunday, March 11


Run for Children Tohoku at adidas RUNBASE


On Sunday, March 11, at the invitation of our readers, a charity run was held at 'RUNBASE,' adidas's running facility in Nagata-cho, Tokyo, at the call of DJ Toshio Matsuura. We ran with thoughts of Tohoku in our hearts.


Text by FUJITA Mayu (OPENERS)Photographs by SUZUKI Kenta




Running Together with "311" in Our Hearts



Friday, March 11, 2011, at 2:46 PM. One year has passed since that unforgettable day, and on Sunday, March 11, 2012, a charity run titled "Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE" was held at the call of DJ Toshio Matsuura, inviting readers. We called for donations to 'The Hataichi Fund,' which continues to support children in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region.


Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 03

Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 05



The weather, which had been a concern, defied forecasts, with blue skies peeking through the thick clouds. On a mild afternoon, participants began to gather at the reception counter set up at the entrance of 'adidas RUNBASE.' After paying the ¥2,000 participation fee and completing registration, participants received a special T-shirt designed by Matsuura and produced by adidas as a souvenir. The design, resembling a race bib, bore the number "20120311," conveying the message: "Let's run together with "311" in our hearts."

Moment of Silence at 2:46 PM──Off to the Imperial Palace Run





At 2 PM, Matsuura expressed his gratitude to the gathered participants, sharing anecdotes and speaking about his impressions of the Tokyo Marathon and his thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas. Kumi Imamura, representative of The Hataichi Fund, who could not attend due to ceremonies in the affected region, sent a video message along with photos of the children. "We are far from recovery."──Participants listened quietly to Imamura's words, each reflecting on their own thoughts. At 2:46 PM, a moment of silence was observed by all, and then they set off for the Imperial Palace run, united in their thoughts.

Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 09




Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 13



The group split into a 5km and a 10km team, running at their own pace. The adidas Running Team led the 5km team, while Matsuura led the 10km team. Even when starting as a group, everyone has their own pace; that's the nature of a marathon. The adidas team ran at the back, encouraging the last runner, while Matsuura, as the leader, not only pulled the team along but also reportedly looked back frequently, slowed his pace to speak to lagging runners, and moved back and forth through the group.



A Sure Step Towards the Children's Future





The participants returned to RUNBASE after completing their 5km or 10km runs, their faces bright with smiles, exchanging "Otsukaresama" (good job) greetings. The total amount collected from participation fees, donations, and contributions from RUNBASE users who supported the event's cause was ¥110,100. This money, entrusted to us with hearts turned towards the disaster-stricken areas, was fully donated to 'The Hataichi Fund' through JustGiving Japan. While running 5km or 10km won't get us to the disaster-stricken areas, the path is certainly connected, and the distance can be shortened with every step. Similarly, the money collected today will surely connect to the children's future.

Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 15



Life is often compared to a marathon. The road to recovery may also resemble a marathon. Even on a long, seemingly endless path, it's encouraging to have someone running alongside, matching your pace and aiming for the goal together, rather than running alone. Let's continue to run together towards the goal of recovery.──On this significant anniversary, we renewed our resolve through the shared experience of running, exchanging words of encouragement and smiles, our hearts united.





adidas RUNBASE
1F Hirakawacho Mori Tower, 2-16-1 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours | Weekdays 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM / Weekends & Holidays 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fees | Visitor: ¥700
Ticket Book: ¥5,000 (10 tickets / 6 months)
Shoe Rental: ¥100
Wear Rental: Full Set ¥500 / Individual Item ¥300
Towel Rental: Small ¥100 / Large ¥200

adidas RUNBASE
Tel. 03-3261-9980
http://adidas.jp/running/runbase/
















Supporting Tohoku's Children Through Running!


I, Toshio Matsuura, through JustGiving Japan,Great East Japan Earthquakechallenged a full marathon for the first time on Sunday, February 26, in the "Tokyo Marathon 2012" under the title "Run For Children Tohoku." The aim was to raise funds for 'The Hataichi Fund (The Nippon Foundation),' which provides continuous psychological care, living, and educational support for children orphaned or affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, enabling them to overcome hardships and thrive in society.

Thanks to your support, I was able to complete the marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes. Thank you for your cheers. The precious funds entrusted to me will be properly delivered to benefit the children of Tohoku. Although the Tokyo Marathon has concluded, this project will continue.

I ask for your continued support.
Toshio Matsuura