Naoko Takahashi Appointed as Event Ambassador for "Saitama Marathon 2027"
Sydney Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi has been appointed as the event ambassador for "Saitama Marathon 2027." Takahashi praised the beautiful course in Saitama as the best stage for citizen runners and expressed her enthusiasm to liven up the event with local support.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 15:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 16:14 (42 min after Collected)
## Event Ambassador
Naoko Takahashi
## Profile
Born May 6, 1972 / From Gifu Prefecture
Began track and field seriously in junior high school, progressing through Gifu Prefectural Commercial High School and Osaka Gakuin University to a corporate team.
Achieved her first victory at the Nagoya International Women's Marathon in 1998, followed by six consecutive marathon wins. Won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and received the People's Honor Award in the same year.
In 2001, she set a world record (at the time) in Berlin, becoming the first woman to break 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Announced her retirement from active competition in October 2008.
Currently active as a Councilor for the Japanese Olympic Committee, a Councilor for the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, a Director for the Japan Para-Sports Association, Representative Director for the Para-Sports Promotion Network, a Councilor for the Nippon Foundation Para-Sports Center, a Director for RainboW Walking, Chairman of the Nagoya Sports Commission, Outside Director for Starts Corporation, Outside Director for Suzuki Corporation, Sports Caster, JICA Supporter, and Guest Writer for Chunichi Shimbun.
## Comment
"I am Naoko Takahashi, and I will be serving as the ambassador for the Saitama Marathon 2027.
The course, which runs through the proud cityscapes of Omiya and Urawa, and the nature of Minuma, is the best stage for citizen runners to shine with smiles.
Let's all work together to make this a vibrant event where everyone can enjoy running in their own style, with the support full of local love!"
## Contact Information for the Event
Saitama Marathon Event Office (within Saitama Sports Commission)
〒330-0074 1-7-1 Kitaurawa, Urawa-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Kitaurawa Terminal Building 3F
TEL: 048-762-8236 (Weekdays 9:00 - 17:45)
FAX: 048-762-8474
E-mail: saitama-cityrun(at)saitamasc.jp *Please replace (at) with @.
Saitama City Official LINE delivers information tailored to you on your smartphone.
Register here or via the QR code below!
Naoko Takahashi
## Profile
Born May 6, 1972 / From Gifu Prefecture
Began track and field seriously in junior high school, progressing through Gifu Prefectural Commercial High School and Osaka Gakuin University to a corporate team.
Achieved her first victory at the Nagoya International Women's Marathon in 1998, followed by six consecutive marathon wins. Won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and received the People's Honor Award in the same year.
In 2001, she set a world record (at the time) in Berlin, becoming the first woman to break 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Announced her retirement from active competition in October 2008.
Currently active as a Councilor for the Japanese Olympic Committee, a Councilor for the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, a Director for the Japan Para-Sports Association, Representative Director for the Para-Sports Promotion Network, a Councilor for the Nippon Foundation Para-Sports Center, a Director for RainboW Walking, Chairman of the Nagoya Sports Commission, Outside Director for Starts Corporation, Outside Director for Suzuki Corporation, Sports Caster, JICA Supporter, and Guest Writer for Chunichi Shimbun.
## Comment
"I am Naoko Takahashi, and I will be serving as the ambassador for the Saitama Marathon 2027.
The course, which runs through the proud cityscapes of Omiya and Urawa, and the nature of Minuma, is the best stage for citizen runners to shine with smiles.
Let's all work together to make this a vibrant event where everyone can enjoy running in their own style, with the support full of local love!"
## Contact Information for the Event
Saitama Marathon Event Office (within Saitama Sports Commission)
〒330-0074 1-7-1 Kitaurawa, Urawa-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Kitaurawa Terminal Building 3F
TEL: 048-762-8236 (Weekdays 9:00 - 17:45)
FAX: 048-762-8474
E-mail: saitama-cityrun(at)saitamasc.jp *Please replace (at) with @.
Saitama City Official LINE delivers information tailored to you on your smartphone.
Register here or via the QR code below!