Shizo Kanakuri: The Marathon Legend Who Took Over 54 Years to Finish
On July 14, 1912, Shizo Kanakuri made history as one of the first Asian competitors at the Olympic Games when he lined up for the marathon in Stockholm, alongside 67 other runners. His remarkable journey was marked not only by the challenges of his time but also by an astonishingly long delay in completing the race—he finished it on March 20, 1967, after a staggering 54 years, 8 months, and 6 days. This time is recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest duration to complete a marathon, raising intrigue about the reasons behind it.
The Journey Begins: A Remarkable Marathon Runner
Shizo Kanakuri, often celebrated as the “father of the marathon” in Japan, qualified for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics by completing a 40-kilometer race in an impressive time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 45 seconds in 1911. This remarkable accomplishment, though slightly shorter than today’s standard marathon distance, earned him a place on the Japanese team alongside sprinter Yahiko Mishima. With limited funding, Kanakuri organized a nationwide fundraiser, collecting ¥1,500 to cover his travel expenses, allowing him to embark on an 18-day journey to Sweden by ship and the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Facing Adversity: Struggles in Stockholm
Upon arrival in Stockholm, Kanakuri encountered significant challenges. The phenomenon of the “white nights” made it difficult for him to acclimate, compounded by a lack of proper training due to his team manager, Hyozo Omori, being bedridden with tuberculosis. The unrelenting heatwave that transformed the marathon grounds into an unbearable arena further exacerbated the situation. With only 34 out of 68 competitors completing the race, conditions were dire. Kanakuri had to make a difficult decision: after covering just over 25 kilometers, he faced debilitating hyperthermia and abandoned the course for his safety.
A Sudden Disappearance: Kanakuri’s Unexpected Exit
After deserting the race, Kanakuri stumbled upon a nearby garden party where he enjoyed refreshing orange juice and engaged in conversation, oblivious to the chaos of the marathon. Consequently, he made his return to Japan without notifying race officials, leading to him being declared a missing person in Sweden. Back home, Kanakuri continued to compete in marathons and qualified for the 1916 Olympics in Berlin, which was ultimately canceled due to World War I, further stalling his Olympic aspirations.
Resilience in the Olympics: Trials and Triumphs
In the 1920 Olympics held in Antwerp, Kanakuri finally completed an Olympic marathon, finishing in 16th place. However, he faced another setback in the 1924 Paris Games when he did not complete the marathon, although this time he communicated his departure to officials. Throughout these years, Kanakuri’s impact on Japanese athletics grew, culminating in his involvement with the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon, a prestigious event that continues to thrive today.
Completion at Last: A Long-Awaited Finish
The 1960s brought surprising developments, as a Swedish journalist discovered Kanakuri’s identity and current life as a geography teacher in Japan. This revelation rekindled interest in his unfinished Olympic run, leading a Swedish television station to invite him to complete the marathon. On March 20, 1967, Kanakuri, now 75 years old, made a triumphant return to Stockholm, marking the end of a marathon that took over half a century to finish. Upon completing the race, Kanakuri humorously remarked, “It was a long trip. Along the way, I got married, had six children and 10 grandchildren.”
Legacy of Shizo Kanakuri
Shizo Kanakuri’s story is emblematic of the resilience and determination that defines athletes worldwide. His unique journey not only highlights the challenges faced by early Olympic competitors but also underscores the evolution of marathon running as a sport. Despite being considered a missing person in Sweden for decades, Kanakuri’s return and eventual completion of the marathon solidified him as a legendary figure in both Japanese and Olympic history. His legacy as a significant contributor to the marathon culture continues to inspire future generations of athletes globally.
