SENDAI JAPAN
Riverside, Sendai Japan – Sister Cities since 1957
Chairperson: Yoko Boucher
History
Sendai became Riverside’s first Sister City on December 10, 1957, making this relationship the oldest in the nation. In 2007, Riverside and Sendai celebrated the 50th anniversary of their relationship. Located about 180 miles north of Tokyo on Japan’s largest island, Honshu, Sendai is one of Japan’s 11 major cities. The city of 1 million is home to Tohoku University, which signed an inter-university agreement with the University of California, Riverside as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. The agreement is designed to facilitate the exchange of scholars and researchers.
Sendai Half Marathon
Sendai and Riverside have been Sister Cities for over 50 years. This is the oldest Sister City Relationship in World. For the past 19 year Sendai, Japan has invited a Delegation from each of their Sister Cities to participate in this world class race.
The Riverside – Sendai Sister City relationship celebrated its 50th anniversary in March of 2007. This is the longest, continuous relationship in the nation. The tradition was started in 1991 with Sendai hosting a competitive half-marathon race. Sendai City invited a male and female athlete from each of its Sister Cities to participate in a half marathon race. Sendai hosted the Sister Cities in numerous ceremonies and activities starting with a press conference with the current Mayor of Sendai City.
The Sendai International Half-Marathon Race has grown in popularity and prestige and has been successful in attracting top-ranked elite athletes, including the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner of the women’s marathon Constantina Tomescu-Dita and 2004 Olympic Gold winner of the marathon Noguchi Mizuki. The past races have hosted former marathon world record holder like Catherine Ndereba and Chicago Marathon second place finisher Daniel Jenga. There are over 30,000 that view the race from the sides of road as was as broadcasted on national TV.
This year’s Official Delegation includes Coach, Karla Adams, Chair of the Sendai Committee, Calvin Lewis, Central Middle School teacher Calvin Lewis and Kristen Johnson., Riverside Fire Department. Our runners will be at the frontline of the race next to world ranking athletes.
