The 79th Towada Hachimantai Ekiden took place on August 1 in Akita. Fujisan GX from Yamanashi won the race in 3:42:17, breaking the course record. The race covered 71.4 km across five legs and featured 14 teams. Akita T&F Association placed 6th.

The women's race was canceled due to insufficient participation. Individual leg winners included Ryota Seki from Tokyo Police A and Kaede Shinohara from Fujisan GX. The latter set a course record in her leg. Read more racing coverage.

The Ageo City Half Marathon banned Australian runner Matt Inglis Fox for life after he ran the race with another runner's bib. Fox wore bib number 11, which belonged to Harrisson Uk, a Tokyo-based club runner. Fox's time was not recorded under his name. Related: High School Championships Day 4: Record-Breaking Performances.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Japan Running News. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.