How Japan CONQUERED the Marathon World... Then Lost It!

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Jake Barraclough, aka "Ran To Japan"
⚠️ Train Harder, Not Smarter.
🇬🇧 Documenting my life ‘on the run’ in Japan!

If you were to ask a random person on the street, “Who are the best marathoners on Earth?”, you’d almost certainly hear one answer… The East Africans. Nowadays, they’re synonymous with distance running but until quite recently there was another powerhouse on the global scene… The Japanese. This is the tale of how they conquered the endurance game and what led to them being dethroned. In other words: “日本のマラソンはなぜダメになったのか” 🇯🇵

[TheFODRunner]

Never apologise for mentioning doping, I’m glad you bought it up! I feel exactly the same and I’m at a point now where it’s guilty until proven innocent… it’s a waste of time admiring these records 🤷‍♂️ it’s good to hear there’s 0 banned in Japan, shows a completely different mindset.

[al_conroy]

You touched on some of the reasoning there for doping, which is the economic reason. With so many naturally gifted Kenyans, how does one stand out and earn that money for their family. I'm sure the temptation and pressure is higher for these reasons, not to excuse it at all.

[rostecrussia]

I think daiwa made a very good decision in awarding you the scholarship, never tire of your videos about the running scene in Japan

[laurabarraclough]

I love that you spoke on the men and women!! Great vid Jakester <3

[SotaMaehara]

I run that 1325m loop so much when I'm in Japan, and it's cool to see the history of it!

[judithricken]

I absolutely agree that the Japanese runners are crazy! I train with a local running club in Nagoya and our Coach is the fastest Japanese in his age group. I think he turned 60 last year and he just ran a marathon in 2:39!!! Absolutely amazing! They have crazy training schedules as well whilst working full time!

[brianmessemer]

Mantra of this episode: Train Harder, Not Dopier

[MZZ]

Thanks for calling that shit out Jake. One of your best vids to date.

[dailybits]

Belgian Olympic runner (and Youtuber) John Heymans was also in a podcast telling these stories after his Iten trainingcamps. He didn't name, however said it's crazy whats happening over there.

[DGLawton]

Love the way you presented the spicy bit Jake 👍😊🏃‍♂️‍➡️
Maybe Rant in Japan could be a new section😂

[georgeyboy]

Im glad you mentioned doping. I've been getting a bit sick of hearing about all the records dropping recently, just not sure we can trust what we're seeing. World Athletics is still too lenient on dopers, in my opinion. Doping should be a ban for life from the sport. Shelby Houlihan for example just back from a 4 year ban wins silver at the 3000m indoors, disgrace that shes allowed back.

[alplr]

I do weightlifting, which is one of the most doped sports. In response to comments on many videos accusing athletes of doping violations, I have seen a lot of comments like, "Everyone does it, why are you so angry?" and they are praised as "The GOAT. As a Japanese, I really don't understand this feeling. If a player intentionally cheats, should be banned from the sport forever and deserves no respect.

[julienpiccini]

I would also recommend you to look into France. It nowhere near Japan in term of density because a lot less sponsored athlete but I think it is one of the most dominant country regarding professional long distance running, I think they have 10 guys now under 2:10 and around 25 below 2:15.
They used to have the 10km European record, they have the 5Km European record holder.
Check that out, I think it could be interesting to see these guys (Navarro, Bour, Frere, Gressier, Daguinos, ...).

[Simon-A-hn]

Thanks for the videos Jake, very informative. As a researcher who writes about Japan (and runs there) I'm finding the content fascinating. BTW: For anyone interested in the history of marathon running in Japan, take a look at Thomas Havens "Marathon Japan: Distance Racing and Civic Culture" (2015). I think it is the only comprehensive history available in English (there are many more books in Japanese, of course)

[BenTorode]

Mate, fantastic video. Train harder, not smarter, but also clean. Also an insightful look into how runners coming up through the college ranks in Japan train to specialize in the 10k-20k ekiden segment distances for domestic glory.

[cameronpetie]

Great video. Australia also had some top marathoners 60s to 90's, from Clayton, de Castella and Monaghetti. That all ended post 2000 when the Africans took over.

[YesNo-cfdv]

Definitely necessary to mention doping how you did. Also found your channel yesterday and followed you on Strava and it showed that my assistant coach also followed you. Mentioned it to him yesterday to start a chat and I was surprised to learn you guys were teammates. Devin S. is such a cool dude and makes sense that you guys ran together.

[philippernst]

that story from india of that guy racing the 100m single is too funny 🤣
seems like a nice strategy to win a race in India, show up clean and spread the word of an upcoming doping check and win the race because they all have to hide😅😅

[kiely]

Respect for choosing to speak up about it mate, it would be easy as someone in your position to remain politically correct to avoid backlash

[A_SEGA_Dremcast]

You’re really, really good with narrative. It’s clear you’re honing your storytelling as much as you’re honing your running. Keep it up!