This past Sunday, three of our members participated in a 6 mile run to raise money for the victims of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  The run was organized by 道走会 (Do So Kai), a NY Hokkaido Running Club, with the amount raised donated through the Japanese American Association of NY Disaster Relief Fund.  It was not a competition, but a peaceful group running.

Jane and trainee Santiago running with the event organizer, Ayako Yamazaki of Dosokai.

There were three runs around Central Park, a 6 mile course.  Our members took part in the last leg, jogging the 6 miles with taiko as their only physical training leading up to it.

Junko, Jane, and Santiago run by!

313 people attended the event and raised a total of $10,217, of which our three members raised $770!  The JAA was planning on donating 100% of the money to the Red Cross in Japan, but is currently looking to reach out to the people in the damaged areas directly.

Next up on our running calendar: the Japan Day Run on May 8th, also in Central Park!