Our Mission

My journey to the starting line of the 26th Annual KIX Senshu International Marathon began with something as simple as a step challenge. 

In May, the publishing company where I work as an editor decided to hold a step challenge. Foolishly I thought to myself, “I’m active. Surely I can do 15,000 steps per day.” But I quickly found out that logging eight miles a day when you have an office job is no easy task. When I realized that I had run at least a mile a day for a few days in a row, I impulsively wrote “RUN STREAK” at the top of a whiteboard and began tallying the days. 

That run streak carried me through training for the 2018 Twin Cities Marathon—and then some. One week after Twin Cities, I was running the Hyland ski hill with one of the chiefs on the Bloomington Fire Department, where I also serve as a volunteer firefighter. The chief told me that a delegate from Bloomington’s sister city in Japan had recently been to tour one of the fire stations, having come as part of the sister city’s marathon exchange program. She encouraged me to apply to do it, and though I was wary of a marathon in February, I thought that I might as well strike while the iron was hot and the streak was intact. 

Marathon training through a Minnesota winter was arduous and yet unexpectedly rewarding. The training months flew by, and before I knew it I was in the airport with my passport and a ticket to Japan. After spending a week in Hong Kong with an old friend, I met Ayumi, Shigeo (our translator), and Christian and his wife, Alyssa, at KIX. Christian, Alyssa, and I had all actually worked at the same summer camp, Camp Omega in Waterville, Minnesota, but during different years. As “camp people,” we had an easy camaraderie and enjoyed lively conversations about mutual friends and shared memories. 

The hospitality of the Japanese people was stunning. It was evident how much pride they took in their city, and they were very excited to show us around. On Friday, we felt like mini-celebrities as we toured an elementary school. Children waved at us, swarmed us with questions, and wanted pictures and autographs. That night we met the mayor, the Rotary Club president, and other important members of the community. On Saturday night, we met many of the other invited sister city runners and elite runners at the banquet held by the marathon committee. It was awe-inspiring to be surrounded by so many athletes and humbling to be included among them. 

One of the most exciting parts of the trip for me was getting to meet our sister city fire department. At the Izumi City fire station, we got to meet members of the department, as well as the chiefs, and receive a tour of their quarters, dispatch room, and fire apparatuses. It was wonderful to realize that firefighters are really a universal brotherhood—fun-loving, somewhat silly and irreverent, yet capable, able to perform in an instant, and intensely proud of what they do. At our welcome banquet, a group of firefighters provided ceremonial entertainment. We even met the mascot of the  department, who astounded us with his break-dancing ability. Afterward, one of the firefighters told us that his trip to Bloomington many years ago inspired him to become a firefighter himself. 

Marathon day dawned somewhat bright and clear. The flat course gave me the opportunity to really soak in the surroundings. The route was filled with spectators who provided all the runners with energy, encouragement, and strange candies. As the course started bending toward the “Monster Bridges,” I was both excited and nervous. I felt I’d run a strong race thus far and knew that if I held on to my pace, I would be able to finish well. Armed with a “special drink” that I’d had delivered to the 35km mark, I was able to keep my legs from cramping and finish with a time of 4:08, which was a new PR by almost five minutes. 

While this was an absolute trip of a lifetime, what it has really impressed upon me is how connected our sister city relationship truly makes us. Friends and family would often ask how training was going, encouraging me even when the weather was bad or the days were long. On marathon day, I received many well wishes and messages of support, even though I was finishing the race well after midnight back home. While staying with my host family, I had a chance to run with my host parents and share a bit of Minnesota with them. Christian and I were also able to talk with the mayor and several firefighters about their own experiences running the Senshu marathon. Since returning, I’ve had countless opportunities to tell friends and family members about Izumi City, the Japanese people and culture, and the wonderful memories I made. None of that would have been possible without everything that the BSCO and IIEA does on behalf of their respective cities.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to represent Bloomington and the Bloomington Fire Department in Izumi City. Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita for a wonderful experience!

(Currently, the streak is at 315 days.)

This past November I was honored to be chosen to represent Bloomington in the 27th annual KIX Senshu International Marathon February 16th by the Bloomington Sister City Organization. Bloomington’s Sister City is Izumi City which is a prefecture of Osaka, Japan. As an avid runner with nearly 70 marathons (and endurance events) under my belt, I knew the real challenge wasn’t going to be the actual run, but how traveling 6,000 miles, eating foreign cuisine, and how a 15-hour time change would affect my race. Along with the growing concern about the Coronavirus and an activity schedule jam-packed with social events, sight-seeing, and tourism, my wife (Laura) and I knew we were in for an adventure! (In full disclosure, we normally define “traveling” as a trip up to Duluth, MN – so admittedly  this was WAY out of our “comfort zone.")

From the moment Laura and I (along with co-runner Ali Pekarna and her father Marty) landed in Osaka we were humbled by the thoughtfulness, kindness, and consideration the Izumi City staff put into our daily schedule, events, and stay. Never has so much care or attention been given to two average runners... it’s like Izumi City asked Bloomington for Usain Bolt, and they got the cast of Cool Runnings!?! We had the honor of staying at the home of a retired couple in Izumi City where - despite the language barrier - they welcomed us like long-lost relatives. They were happy to escort us on walks throughout their neighborhood, pick us fresh oranges from their trees, or show us how to make a casual Japanese “treat” (although I don’t know if my taste buds will ever consider seaweed mixed with rice a “treat”). One morning they even went as far as bringing me to multiple convenient stores after I jokingly mentioned I couldn’t find Diet Coke anywhere. (For the record, Diet Coke does not exist in Japan… only Coke, Coke Zero, and Strawberry Coke!)

With the staff of Izumi City and our guide Haruka, we had the pleasure of visiting temples and shrines in Nara Park (where hungry deer swarmed my wife for a snack), shared tea with the Mayor of Izumi City, attended a calligraphy class, and were the “Guests of Honor” at two banquets where we met fellow runners and community leaders from all over the world! Like I said, never has so much attention been attached to such average runners. On Monday (the day after the marathon), Ali and I had the unique pleasure of teaching a “running inspired” Phy Ed Class to the 2nd Graders of Izumi Shiritsu Ibukino Elementary School. We also joined them for lunch (which was served by the students to their classmates). Here we learned 2nd grade children in Japan are just as active, energetic (and obsessed with Pokemon) as 2nd graders in America.

As for the marathon itself… Imagine Ali and my surprise when we were pulled out of the pack 10 minutes prior to the start of the race and put right in the front of 5,000 runners to lead the race! Oh, and did I mention that we were standing right next to Mongolia’s Olympic Running Team? If you’re taking bets, we did not keep up with them. However, all this attention definitely inspired me to run far faster than I normally would (or should). I saw my wife at the halfway point and she excitedly yelled out, “You’re going to hit a PR!” I smiled knowing that this pace wasn’t going to last.

Inevitably, around mile 20, fatigue (and reality) started to set in, and I slowed down considerably as I approached the dual “Monster Bridges” near the end of the race. This is when Ali passed me (who was more responsible with pacing herself). As expected, she looked far more buoyant while I gritted my teeth and fought through the cold, rain, and aches knowing I would not be conquered by the city of Izumi, and I would complete the task I was sent here to do. Before I knew it, I crossed the finish line around 4 hours and 10 minutes where I was met by Laura, Ali, Marty, Haruka, and the staff of Izumi City.

I went to grab a banana and refuel on electrolytes when a local TV reporter approached and asked if I’d liked to be interviewed about the race. With the camera crew filming, she asked questions in Japanese to Haruka, who translated it to English for me, where I responded to Haruka in English, who translated it back to Japanese for the reporter. I can only imagine the compelling television this must have been for the people of Izumi. This certainly qualifies as one of the most surreal moments of my life. 

On Tuesday, we made our way to the airport where Laura, Ali, Marty, and I said our tearful goodbyes to our new friends in Izumi City, and we were off to explore Tokyo on our own for a few days. I’ll admit, it felt odd to no longer be spoiled by the love and attention of Izumi City, but we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Japanese culture!

I can’t say enough good things about this experience. The Bloomington Sister City program gave us a once in a lifetime opportunity and the chance to experience Japanese culture on a far deeper and meaningful level than the average tourist. We will forever be grateful for this life-changing experience!

Each year, the Sister Cities exchange students for a two-week cultural immersion in their host country. In August 2018, Billy and Hanna were a host family for Mai Nishizawa, an exchange student from Izumi, Japan. Here is Mai’s account of the experiences she had in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

As an exchange student, I was able to experience so much that I could not get on a trip as a tourist. Staying with a family helped me experience Bloomington on a very personal level. I was surprised by all the nature surrounding their house, including wild squirrels and rabbits running around. There were only few high buildings so I was able to see the spreading blue sky above me. 

I especially liked Centennial Lakes Park, where I enjoyed a paddle boat ride. There was also a Farmers’ Market with vegetables that were much bigger than those in Japan. I also went to church and a cemetery with Billy and Hanna, my host family. 

I was surprised that the national flag was raised in the town and that many houses were two-stories and had underground basements. I realized that "my own way is not the norm of the world."

At Billy and Hanna's home, we watched movies at night and I felt relaxed. It was fun to go for walks with their two dogs, Pie and Enya. From Billy, I learned that by giving people knowledge and compassion, it will return to me. Also, I listened to his retirement dream of making an orphanage for poor children and the elderly in Indonesia.

Being Hanna is Indonesian, I got clothes from that country and ate delicious noodles. I was able to experience not only American culture but also the culture of Indonesia. When I left, I got presents in cute wrappings, which Hanna made by hand, and a letter I will always cherish.

On this trip, I learned English conversation skills by listening to residents and trying to speak with them. I learned about cultural, environmental and lifestyle differences. Through various experiences, I acquired a wider perspective than before. I would like to make use of these experiences in my future.

My wife, Alyssa, and I came downstairs the morning after landing at Kansai International Airport. We followed the sounds of giggling into the bedroom belonging to the children of our host family. We found two shy but incredibly excited young children hiding under blankets, daring us to find them. They could hardly speak any English; we couldn’t speak any Japanese. Taemi, our gracious host mother, eagerly practiced her English with us and educated us on their household customs. Through amazing meals with unfamiliar foods, silly songs, games, and mutual interests, we developed family-like relationships with people that were completely unknown to us weeks before. We learned that verbal language was not critical for meaningful relationships and communication. Our family provided an authentic view of what a family in Izumi City does and what they care about- a snapshot that you cannot get by traditional travel in hotels and tour buses. 

Upon receiving word that I would have the honor of representing Bloomington in the KIX Senshu International Marathon, I was excited, but I did not know exactly what to expect. Alyssa and I trained for the race as though it were any other marathon. However, upon arriving in Japan, the race seemed to take a back seat to the exciting new experiences. 

We were humbled by the immense thought and effort that the Izumi City staff put into our daily schedule of events. They planned a visit to the Kuboso Memorial Museum of Art, the Izumi City fire station, a restaurant with traditional Japanese cuisine overlooking the city, a school where we learned how to make sushi, the course the day before the race, and a day trip to the beautiful city of Nara. Ayumi, the city employee that represented the Human Rights and International Affairs Division and was with us as we toured Izumi City, ensured that we always had everything that we needed. There were also interpreters and representatives that went along with us at each stop, dedicated to giving us a great experience. They treated us likes special guests and constantly made us feel like the elite runners that we are not.

One of the most memorable experience was our visit to the Aoba-Hatsugana Elementary School. After being warmly greeted by a nervous group of 6th graders and a nice conversation with the principal, we were led to the courtyard that is used for P.E. class and recess and were told that we would be leading the warm-ups and stretches. I learned to be very deliberate with any body movements I did, as they would eagerly imitate every move I made. Once we were adequately warmed up, we played a giant game of tag; the Americans were ‘it.’ The long-distance running muscles that I had developed over the course of marathon training were not quite ready for the short sprints and quick direction changes that comes with a game of tag with elementary school children. Jennifer, the other Bloomington delegate, Alyssa, and I had so much fun with the kids and ran until we were exhausted. Once again, I appreciated the connection we were able to make without saying a word.

Jennifer, Alyssa, and I ran our personal best marathons on a perfect day for running. Despite this, my thoughts throughout the trip were not focused on the race as I expected them to be. I was so thankful for our host family, interpreters, city employees, and Sister City organizers. I was humbled by their attempts to communicate in English and make us feel comfortable despite our cursory knowledge of their language and culture. 

Following our time in Izumi City, my wife and I traveled to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, with some stops along the way. Despite the incredible beauty, the historical structures and architecture, and the new and exciting sights, we missed the connections we had made in Izumi City. Throughout our remaining Japan travels, we used the phrases our host family taught us to say before and after meals. The Sister City program gave us an opportunity to share stories, life experiences, and traditions with people we would not have otherwise met. I will always be grateful this life-changing experience