Metrication in the United States traditional mile-based lengths. In the Olympics, athletes run 1500 meters, not 1600 meters. Running races in the U.S. are usually run in metric distances (e.g., the 100 metres dash or the 5K run), although the mile distance remains popular. But even 5 and 10 kilometer races most often have mile markers on the course, and no kilometer markers. Long-distance races are often measured in kilometers, although exceptions exist (generally 10 mile races). The marathon is referred to as a 26.219-mile race (the official marathon standard distance originally being in English units — 26 miles, 385 yards) rather than 42.195 km.
Sanyo Women's Half Marathon of the podium. Yukiko Akaba is the only runner to win consecutive half marathon titles. Kenyans Chepyego and Evelyn Kimwei and Japan's Mizuki Noguchi (the 2004 Olympic marathon champion) are the only other women to win the race twice. Key: Sanyo Women's Half Marathon The Sanyo Women's Half Marathon, also known as the Sanyo Women's Road Race (), is an annual road running competition for women held in December in Okayama, Japan. It features both a 10K run and half marathon race (21.1 km/13.1 miles). Sanyo Shimbun, a daily newspaper, is the title sponsor for the event. The day's events