More than 7,000 runners took part in this year’s Frostbite Road Race at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 19, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Thousands of runners from across Japan descended on this airlift hub in western Tokyo this week for an annual mid-winter classic, the Frostbite Road Race.
The Yokota Striders Running Club organizes the event that drew more than 10,000 people this year, including more than 7,000 runners, according to club president Matthew Brinker.
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to set up this kind of event and invite so many friends on base to share in the fitness, well-being and resiliency we have here,” he told Stars and Stripes ahead of the half-marathon.
Yokota’s Supply Gate was opened around 7 a.m. to admit visiting runners and their guests, who signed in and made their way to the soccer field near Yokota High School to wait for the races to start. Many visitors preregistered online.
Guests had a chance to utilize a photo booth, shop for Yokota- and Frostbite-themed merchandise and eat lunch at stands serving American hamburgers and barbecue.
More than 7,000 runners took part in this year’s Frostbite Road Race at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 19, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
Runners young and old took part in the Frostbite Road Race at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo,Jan. 19, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
The Frostbite Run consists of three races: 2 km, 5 km and a half-marathon. All races began at the high school soccer field at staggered start times beginning at 9 a.m. The half-marathon began at 11 a.m. Runners followed the course along Davis Street to the north end of the airfield and around to the south overrun, where they doubled back to the finish line at the soccer field.
Keita Shimazaki, a visiting Japanese runner, won the half-marathon with a time of 1:10:43.
Cold rain that plagued runners last year was replaced this year by blue skies.
“As the name suggests, it’s a little chilly, but luckily, we kept the rain off this year,” Col. Richard McElhaney, commander of Yokota’s 374th Airlift Wing, said in at the opening ceremony.
The Yokota Striders’ event is supported by wing leadership, security forces, medics and volunteers from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
“I want to say a big thanks to the Yokota community and the wing itself for giving us the opportunity to use the facilities and the roads,” Brinker said. “The overall benefit is wonderful, not only for friendship for the continuation of the tradition that this race brings.”
The first Frostbite Run was held in 1981.
“It’s a great day to celebrate fitness, friendship and tradition,” Brinker said.
