Shizo Kanakuri: A Legend in Marathon History
Who is Shizo Kanakuri and why is he famous in marathon history
Shizo Kanakuri, often referred to as the “father of the marathon” in Japan, is a legendary figure in the world of marathon running.
He was one of the early leaders of track and field athletics in Japan and is best known for his participation in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
Kanakuri was one of only two Japanese athletes to compete in the Stockholm Olympics, a time when sports were not highly valued in Japan.
His journey to the Olympics was a testament to his determination and the support of his community, as his fellow college students organized a nationwide fundraiser to cover his travel costs.
Which Olympic marathon did Shizo Kanakuri participate in
Shizo Kanakuri participated in the 1912 Olympic marathon held in Stockholm, Sweden.
This was the fifth edition of the modern Olympic Games.
The marathon was held in Sollentuna Municipality in unexpected heat conditions.
How long did it take Shizo Kanakuri to finish the Olympic marathon
Shizo Kanakuri’s Olympic marathon time is a unique tale in the annals of marathon history.
During the 1912 marathon, Kanakuri, suffering from the heat and the effects of his arduous journey to Stockholm, disappeared from the race.
It wasn’t until 54 years later, in 1967, that he was invited back to Sweden to complete his marathon.
At the age of 76, Kanakuri crossed the finish line, marking an official marathon time of 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 20.3 seconds.
This unusual record stands as the slowest marathon time in history.
What were the conditions of the marathon when Shizo Kanakuri competed
The conditions of the 1912 Olympic marathon were challenging.
The race was held in unexpected heat, and many of the contestants struggled on the course.
Kanakuri himself was still recovering from his 18-day-long trip to Stockholm, first by ship and then by train through the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The combination of the heat and his physical condition led to Kanakuri losing consciousness during the race.
Did Shizo Kanakuri win any medals in the Olympic marathon
Shizo Kanakuri did not win any medals in the Olympic marathon.
His participation in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics is remembered more for his disappearance and his eventual completion of the marathon 54 years later.
Shizo Kanakuri’s Training for the 1912 Olympic Marathon
Shizo Kanakuri’s training regimen for the 1912 Olympic marathon is not detailed in the available sources.
However, we can infer some aspects of his preparation based on the historical context and the information provided.
Kanakuri was a student at the Tokyo Higher Normal School when he qualified for the Olympics by reportedly setting a world record in a domestic marathon trial with a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 33 seconds, although the course was likely only 40 km long.
His training would have been influenced by the athletic practices of the time, which were less scientifically informed than today’s standards.
Before the Olympics, Kanakuri and his teammate kept themselves in shape during their journey to Stockholm by running laps around the boat they were traveling on.
This indicates that Kanakuri was committed to maintaining his fitness level despite the challenging conditions of the long trip, which took 18 days and required recovery time upon arrival in Stockholm.
Kanakuri’s informal training began in his youth, as his grade school was nearly four miles away, and he got there each day by running.
This early and consistent running practice would have contributed to his endurance and physical conditioning for marathon running.
While specific details of his daily training routines are not provided, it is clear that Shizo Kanakuri was a dedicated runner with a strong foundation in distance running, which he maintained through consistent practice and a determination to represent his country at the Olympic level.
Shizo Kanakuri’s Diet and Nutrition in 1912
Shizo Kanakuri’s specific diet or nutrition plan during his training for the 1912 Olympic marathon is not detailed in the available sources.
However, it is noted that upon his arrival in Stockholm after an 18-day journey, both he and his teammate had trouble dealing with the local food, which affected their preparation.
His teammate became ill, and Kanakuri had to take care of him, which further cut into his training time.
This suggests that Kanakuri’s diet and nutrition were disrupted by the travel and the local cuisine, which may have impacted his performance and overall preparation for the marathon.
There is no mention of a structured nutrition plan or specific dietary regimen that Kanakuri followed during his training period.
General Practices of Marathon Nutrition in the Early 20th Century
Shizo Kanakuri’s diet and nutrition plan during his training for the 1912 Olympic marathon are not well-documented, and it is difficult to make a direct comparison with other marathon runners of his time.
However, we can consider the general practices of marathon nutrition from that era to provide some context.
In the early 20th century, the science of sports nutrition was not as advanced as it is today.
Marathon runners did not have access to the same knowledge about carbohydrate loading, hydration strategies, or the use of energy gels and drinks that modern athletes do.
Instead, their diets were likely similar to those of the general population, which would have included whole grains, fruits, cheeses, and possibly wine diluted with water.
It was not uncommon for athletes to consume alcohol, such as wine, as part of their diet.
Specific to Kanakuri, it is known that he and his teammate had difficulty adjusting to the local food upon their arrival in Stockholm for the Olympics, which affected their preparation.
This suggests that any specific diet or nutrition plan they might have had was disrupted by the travel and the new environment.
Given the lack of detailed records, it is reasonable to infer that Kanakuri’s diet was not significantly different from that of other marathon runners of his time, who would have also been subject to the limitations of the era’s understanding of sports nutrition and the challenges of international travel affecting their dietary habits.
Diet and Nutrition for Marathon Runners in the Early 20th Century
During Shizo Kanakuri’s time, the science of sports nutrition was not as advanced as it is today.
Marathon runners did not have access to the same knowledge about carbohydrate loading, hydration strategies, or the use of energy gels and drinks that modern athletes do.
Instead, their diets were likely similar to those of the general population, which would have included whole grains, fruits, cheeses, and possibly wine diluted with water.
Fueling during the race was also different from today’s practices.
It was common for runners to consume alcohol, such as brandy or whiskey, during the race.
For instance, Spyridon Louis, the winner of the marathon at the 1896 Olympics, sipped cognac with fewer than six miles remaining.
The 1924 Paris Marathon even featured a fluid station offering pours of wine to runners.
It’s important to note that midrace hydration wasn’t scientifically understood during this period, and anything other than hard alcohol while running was often frowned upon.
The concept of eating for performance, rather than for health or longevity, was not yet prevalent.
The human body was not considered to be designed to absorb nutrition during running, and the normal rules of healthy eating were often disregarded once a runner started running.
In summary, the typical diet and nutrition plan for marathon runners during Shizo Kanakuri’s time was likely based on the general dietary habits of the population, with the addition of alcohol consumption during races.
The understanding and application of sports nutrition were not as sophisticated as they are today.
Shizo Kanakuri’s Legacy in Japan and Marathon Running in the Early 20th Century
Shizo Kanakuri’s legacy in Japan and in the world of marathon running is significant.
Despite the unusual circumstances of his 1912 Olympic marathon, Kanakuri is celebrated for his dedication to the sport and his contributions to athletics in Japan.
He was instrumental in promoting the marathon and was involved in preparing the marathon course for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
His story serves as a testament to the spirit of perseverance and the love for running, embodying the historical context of marathon running in the early 20th century.
Shizo Kanakuri’s Impact on Japanese Athletics
Shizo Kanakuri’s marathon performance at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics had a profound and lasting impact on Japanese athletics.
Although he did not finish the race at the time and was recorded as having the “slowest” finishing time ever in an Olympic marathon due to completing it 54 years later, his participation marked a significant moment in Japan’s sporting history.
Kanakuri was one of Japan’s first-ever Olympians, and his journey to the Olympics was a testament to his dedication and the support of his community.
After the 1912 Olympics, Kanakuri continued to influence Japanese athletics, particularly in long-distance running.
He helped create the Hakone Ekiden in 1920, which is one of Japan’s most popular annual sporting events.
The Hakone Ekiden is a collegiate relay race that focuses on the half marathon distance and has contributed to the popularity of running in Japan.
The emphasis on distance running at the collegiate level has led to Japan having astonishing depth in the half marathon, with many athletes training rigorously for this event.
Kanakuri’s efforts in establishing the Hakone Ekiden and his work in developing younger marathon runners have directly contributed to the advancement of Japanese marathoning, positioning Japan as a solid contender in the world of long-distance running behind Kenya and Ethiopia.
His legacy is not only remembered for his unique Olympic marathon time but also for his significant contributions to the development of Japanese athletics, particularly in fostering a strong culture of distance running.
