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The ORC is very excited to welcome our guest runners and their families from Urayasu, Japan who will be arriving on Wednesday, December 2nd. As part of the cultural exchange program between the cities of Orlando and Urayasu, four runners are coming to Orlando to run in the OUC half marathon. The ORC then sends four runners to Urayasu for the half marathon in February.

Please help us welcome: Mr. Takashi Yamazaki, and his wife, Satoko; Mr. Noriyoshi Shirasaka; Ms. Satomi Komori; and Ms. Rei Hokari, with her parents, Mr. Isao Hokari and Mrs. Kinuko Hokari.

Mr. Takashi Yamazaki (41) has a half marathon PR of 1:22:53 and has been running for 10 years. His hobbies are marathons and karaoke. His goal: "I would like to contribute my service to the sister club exchange between Orlando Runners Club and Urayasu Runners Club." He is traveling with his wife, Satako who likes traveling and shopping. Her goal: "I look forward to having a good time with members of Orlando Runners Club." Both Mr. Yamazaki and his wife will be running the half marathon.

Mr. Noriyoshi Shirasaki (30) has a half marathon PR of 1:21:20 and has been running for 2 years. His hobbies are marathons and futsal. His goal: "Enjoy to the fullest? But once I start running, I will aim at winning."

Ms. Rei Hokari (34) has a half marathon PR of 1:45 and has been running for 1.5 years. Her hobbies are ikebana (flower arrangements) and hiking. Her goal: "Representing as an Urayasu citizen, I would like to deepen the cultural exchange with citizens of Orlando and Orlando Runners Club." She is traveling with her parents, Isao Hokari (father) and Kinuko Hokari (mother). Their goal: "Through cheering for the runners, we would like to deepen the cultural exchange with citizens of Orlando."

Ms. Satomi Komori (45) has a full marathon PR of 3:33 and has been running for 7 years. Her hobbies are sports and traveling. Her goal: "I am very honored to be a selected runner for the overseas marathon event. I would like to enjoy running at my own pace and also to enjoy the sceneries along the course."

The ORC will be holding a Welcome Reception for our guests and their families on Wednesday evening, December 2nd. We will also be touring various Orlando attractions and have other special events planned, including the ORC Christmas party on Saturday evening, December 5th. All ORC members and their families are invited to attend these events with our Japanese guests. More details will be posted on the website and an itinerary will be sent out to all members.

The ORC is looking for volunteers to help with these event. If you are interested in hosting a family, helping with day trips, or have questions, please contact the ORC Coordinators, Tom Ward at tom@trackshack.com or Michele Brackett at mtb40@aol.com.