Yasunori Okubo is gearing up for his debut marathon at the Osaka Marathon 2025, set to take place on February 24, 2025. This event is particularly significant for the former professional athlete, as it serves as both a personal challenge and a heartfelt farewell to the city he has called home.
Okubo's participation marks his first foray beyond soccer, as he prepares to tackle the full marathon run alongside his family and supporters. The occasion will be imbued with emotional weight, as Okubo is also preparing for his family's upcoming move to Spain, signifying a major transition in their lives.
Former professional baseball player Kakei Toritani, who shared the screen with Okubo on the program "Sumatan!", stepped forward to offer words of encouragement. Toritani celebrated his own marathon success last year, finishing with impressive results.
“I support you as you take on your new goal,” Toritani expressed. The shared camaraderie between the two athletes, both recent retirees from professional sports, has blossomed through their experiences together, transcending their respective athletic disciplines.
This bond has strengthened over their time on "Sumatan!", where they participated in travel segments together and got to know each other more personally. Toritani continued, “You’ll experience fulfillment like no other after completing the marathon.”
Despite the excitement, Okubo acknowledges the challenges he faces as he trains for his first marathon—an undertaking that's significantly different from the sports he once dominated. Nonetheless, he’s focused on his preparations, determined to deliver his best performance.
Okubo’s target time for the marathon is five hours, which he humorously remarked “might be slow for an athlete.” Nevertheless, he plans to take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the crowd, with hopes of breaking the four-hour mark.
The Osaka Marathon is widely regarded not just as a competitive race but as a community festival, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. For Okubo, it’s not merely about crossing the finish line; it’s about cherishing the memories he creates along the way.
On the run-up to the marathon, he reflects on the strong outpouring of support from both friends and family, which fuels his motivation. The combination of personal growth and the opportunity to embrace his community one last time before relocating serves to make this endeavor truly special.
“I can’t wait to feel the energy of the marathon,” Okubo says, visibly excited about the event and the chance to connect with other runners. “This race means more than just personal achievement; it’s about gratitude and reflection as I close this chapter of my life.”
With the Osaka Marathon just around the corner, anticipation builds for both Okubo and those cheering him on. This unique combination of farewells and new beginnings is sure to create lasting memories.