59-year-old Japanese runner conquers 42km five times at MetaSports Marathon
Kobayashi Kenji did not run with the goal of winning the same prize as his compatriot, the final champion of the MetaSports Marathon Nha Trang this year. When crossing the finish line, the male runner walks slowly to regulate his breathing, receiving water and a towel from the support team. He completed the full marathon in 3 hours 55 minutes 32 seconds, better than the achievement at the MetaSports Marathon Quy Nhon 2023 in June (3 hours 58 minutes 22 seconds). The results have not helped him stand on the podium but are rare at the age of nearly 60.
Kenji said that he could still do better if he didn't have a few minor hiccups. "The stomach pain in the first half of the race and the loss of strength up the pass slowed me down. If my health was normal, I would have achieved better," said Kobayashi Kenji.
Performance aside, the 2023 MetaSports Marathon Nha Trang run brings back many memories with Kobayashi Kenji, marking the fifth time the 59-year-old runner has completed the 42km race after knee surgery.
In January 2021, while practicing running at a park near his home in Ho Chi Minh City, he suddenly had severe pain in his left knee. When he went to the doctor, he was diagnosed with a dislocated knee. Injury forced the runner to pause his passion for marathons, which he pursued since 2005. After treatment, he had to go to the hospital many times for injections and recovery exercises. For the next four months, he had to learn to walk every day, painfully flexing his knee each time. Accepting the pain, the architect walked from 100 meters to 200 meters, then gradually increased to 1km, 2km. Eight months after minor surgery, he practiced slowly the first stages.
"At the time of the bandage, every day with me passed in boredom. I was very sad, afraid that I could not run anymore. But my family and friends gave me a lot of energy, they were by my side like a family. invisible crutches, let me hold on, steady step and run fast," said Kobayashi Kenji.
It took more than 1.5 years for the architect to regain the ability to run. But when registering for MetaSports Marathon Quy Nhon 2022 (taking place in June) for a distance of 21km, his wife and son all dissuaded. He laughed, spread his fingers and said that he could not count all the reasons given by his family and friends. They said he was old, just injured, not fully recovered, 21km is impossible.
"All say I can't do it. But I understand my own health, more importantly, I don't accept to give up when I haven't tried," the runner laughed when talking about his determination.
To prove that he can not only run, but also run well, Kenji increases the intensity of his training. Every day he runs 10-15km, on weekends increase the distance to practice endurance. As a result, at VM Quy Nhon 2022, he reached the finish line in 2 hours 05 minutes 24 seconds. Two months later, at VM Nha Trang 2022, he officially returned to the full marathon with a result of 4 hours 20 minutes 50 seconds. Since then, all MetaSports Marathon, runners have registered 42km (Nha Trang 2022, Ho Chi Minh City Midnight, Hue, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang in 2023).
"Coming back to a full marathon after an injury, I feel like life has opened a new chapter," Kenji laughs, simulating. His family and friends applaud him every time he completes the race, and his performance continues to improve with each race. Injuries also no longer cause him pain after every run when stretching, proper nutrition.
Explaining his love for marathons, the male architect said that his health is durable and his spirit is happier after being friends with long-distance running. His work requires meticulousness and high concentration. Running is similar, with 42km requiring smart power allocation, calculating speed strategy by each stage to achieve high results without overdoing it. Running also gives the opportunity to see the surrounding scenery, to new lands, to connect new run. As soon as he finished speaking, a group of friends approached, Kenji patted his shoulder and asked "is everyone okay", "how's the sub", laughing loudly when they said that Luong Son Pass was "terrible".
The Japanese runner group that joined Kenji this time has more than 10 members. The whole group bought Bib as soon as BTC opened the gate. According to the architect, he participated in many tournaments, but the MetaSports Marathon is still the best track, scientifically organized, attracting many runners from all over the world, creating a vibrant, inspiring atmosphere, enthusiastic support team.
He also has a lot of love for Vietnam. Kenji married a Vietnamese girl 26 years ago, more than 7 years now living in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether it's a new time or a long-term relationship, he still feels the city is hospitable, delicious food, and the people are always warm and sincere.
"I will definitely participate in the upcoming MetaSports Marathon," he said, then continued to stretch, and with friends went to the food court to enjoy Nha Trang specialties, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
