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The Oita International Wheelchair Marathon started in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons, as the world’s first marathon race for wheelchair athletes only. The race has built up an impressive history, being held as the world’s premier race in which not only famous top racers but many athletes from Japan and overseas compete against each other.

Last year, although COVID-19 was still not under control, for the first time in three years, general participants from overseas participated in the race. In the T51 class, which is the most severe disability class, Pieter du Preez showed a great run, breaking the world record for the first time in 27 years, and all the competitors raced hard under perfect conditions.

A total of 223 athletes, 58 from 17 foreign countries and 165 from 30 prefectures in Japan, are entered in this year's competition, which is the same size as before the pandemic. As we enter a new era, coexisting with COVID, we look forward to a race that will send a powerful message of enthusiasm and excitement around the world, together with all those involved in its operation, including the enterprises, organizations, volunteers, and people of the prefecture who support us.

The 42nd Oita International Wheelchair Marathon, the race to the top of the world, will be led by you. As Autumn deepens, let's bring excitement to Oita, the birthplace of parasports in Japan!