Japan's unsponsored marathon man eyes world title

Love how this guy gives 120% every race. He always collapses at the finish line and has to get carried off the track.

Equally astounding that corporate Japan hasn't yet backed the guy.

Actually I do believe that there would be a conflict of interest because he is a government employee. If I am not mistaken for him to actually accept any corporate sponsorship he would have to quit his job as a komuin (government employee).

Hence his not having any official sponsors. There are some pretty strict rules that they have to follow.

Astounding that he has won 9 marathons in a year! Equally astounding that corporate Japan hasn't yet backed the guy. Maybe he is not at home doing the promotional stuff and just isn't a natural on a stage or in front of a camera, bit rough around the edges in a world of "polished" athletes? Who knows - but as long as he does the business on the track, that's all the true sports fans care about!

I'd like to sponsor him! Perhaps he could just sell a few cm's of space on his running bib or cap.

I hope he wins. Alan Wells did not have a coach or sponsor during most of his training for Olympic gold, I read somewhere on youtube, so it is possible.

This is a great story and I hope he gets a medal.

Ganbatte, Kawauchi-san!

Great stuff, focusing on the sport rather than the "talento" part

That is awesome.

That's called doing it for the love of the sport. Nice!

Total respect. Hope he continues to do well and inspire others to do the same.

Why does he not have a sponsor?

I wish him well. 22 races so far this year is insane!

No sponsor? Hopefully he will get one soon!! He certainly deserves it.

This guy is amazing! I wish I had 1/10th of his stamina and 1% of his desire. I hope the city that he works for cuts him some slack and finds a way to "support" him too!