Sendai and Riverside have been Sister Cities for over 50 years. This is the oldest Sister City Relationship in World. For the past 19 year Sendai, Japan has invited a Delegation from each of their Sister Cities to participate in this world class race. The Riverside - Sendai Sister City relationship celebrated its 50th anniversary in March of 2007. This is the longest, continuous relationship in the nation. The tradition was started in 1991 with Sendai hosting a competitive half-marathon race. Sendai City invited a male and female athlete from each of its Sister Cities to participate in a half marathon race. Sendai hosted the Sister Cities in numerous ceremonies and activities starting with a press conference with the current Mayor of Sendai City. The Sendai International Half-Marathon Race has grown in popularity and prestige and has been successful in attracting top-ranked elite athletes, including the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner of the women’s marathon Constantina Tomescu-Dita and 2004 Olympic Gold winner of the marathon Noguchi Mizuki. The past races have hosted former marathon world record holder like Catherine Ndereba and Chicago Marathon second place finisher Daniel Jenga. There are over 30,000 that view the race from the sides of road as was as broadcasted on national TV. This year’s Official Delegation includes Coach, Karla Adams, Chair of the Sendai Committee, Calvin Lewis, Central Middle School teacher Calvin Lewis and Kristen Johnson., Riverside Fire Department. Our runners will be at the frontline of the race next to world ranking athletes.
Calvin Lewis is a full time Riverside educator who strives to live everyday to the complete fullest. Calvin has lived in the Riverside area for 5 years he enjoys dance, teaching and running long distance races.Last year was a special year as he was honored with the title of “Teacher of the Year” for the RiversideUnifiedSchool District along with completing his first marathon in Los Angeles, California.
Currently, Calvin’s professional day is spent as an AVID Coordinator at CentralMiddle School.Educating and motivation for college bound students play an important role as these middle school students are supported along the college path.
In his personal life, Calvin makes a point to live life to the extreme fullest.This year he will represent the city of Riverside in an international race to be held in Sendai, Japan.This international race signifies the long standing connection between the two sister cities and Calvin will be racing alongside top elite athletes from around the world.Many hours are spent training around the track and on the streets of Riverside in preparation for this special event.
Not only does Calvin train by himself but he is also part of the Lopers, a running group in Riverside, California.
Hi, My name is Kristen Johnson. I am 27 years old and I have lived in the City of Riverside for my whole life. I have always loved running, but never ran competitively until 2002, when I ran my first 10K in Santa Barbara. After that, I ran several more 10Ks, some with the local fire academy here in Riverside, and a couple half marathons. I have worked as a Firefighter in the City of Riverside for a little over three years and recently graduated Paramedic School.I am extremely excited to be a guest in the city of Sendai, Japan. I also feel so honored to be chosen to represent Riverside in Sendai’s half marathon. I look forward to meeting new people and experiencing a different culture, and of course, running the race in the beautiful city of Sendai!
Sendai Half Marathon 2009
