Maebashi, Birmingham's sister city in Japan, is looking to host 3 (three) runners from the Birmingham area to race in their 9th annual Maebashi City Marathon on Sunday, April 27th, 2008. While the event is billed as a marathon, it is actually a half-marathon (13.1 miles).

Although the main event of the trip is the 'Marathon' on Sunday, the three runners picked will have a fun, full itinerary with their Japanese hosts from the moment they land to the time they depart.

The 3 runners to be picked for this year¹s trip will need:
- to have a valid passport.
- be able to travel mid-week before the race.
- to be able to either run the half-marathon in less than 2:20 or the 12K in less than 1:20.
- to be at least 21 years old and in good health.
- to be able to travel alone (this invite is only for 3 runners).
- to open to trying new, and sometimes unknown, tasty Japanese food and traditions.
- to be able to pay for a flight to Japan (around $1,000). Once the 3 Birmingham representatives land in Japan, expenses such as food, transportation, hotels and race entry fees are taken care of by Maebashi City Hall which still makes this a WONDEFUL opportunity!

Read about last year¹s trip and see photos here:
http://www.birminghamtrackclub.com/pdf/2007news/2007-June-VulcanRunner.pdf

Interested runners should send an email to Scotty Colson, Birminham's Sister City Director, at scotty.colson@ci.birmingham.al.us with the email subject titled 'Maebashi Runner Entry.' In 100 words or less, runners should write why they want to be picked to represent Birmingham in Maebashi. Entrants should also include their name, address, and phone.

Runners DO NOT have to be elite runners. As long as a runner can meet the times mentioned above, they are eligible to apply so don't let speed hold you back from submitting an email entry! This opportunity is open to ALL Birmingham runners.

DEADLINE for submitting an email to Colson is Monday, Feb. 25th which is in five days, so don¹t delay. Only one entry per runner!