Last year she wasn't really prepared, so I look at this time as the first and last time to race against Kobayashi. I'm disappointed, but I'm also happy.

I want to eventually move up to the marathon and to compete with top runners is a good experience for what lies ahead.

Being selected for the Japan team gives me confidence. I look forward to running.

Time has touched me gently in his race,/ And left no odious furrows in my face.

We'd like to become a bigger sponsor and turn the race into a more major regional event over time.

Yeah, it changes the dynamics of the race because he is such a big-time marathoner. And I definitely think it opens up a spot because someone of his caliber, even if he were coming in at 75 percent, would be a 2:10-type runner.