RIYADH: Several top road runners from Saudi Arabia were hosted by Japan’s embassy here on Monday, amid their preparation to compete in the Tokyo Marathon in March. Japan’s Ambassador Fumio Iwai met with athletes from various clubs including Riyadh Urban Runners, R7, and the Riyadh Runners Club. The athletes thanked Iwai for supporting their sport. The athletes will also compete in the Riyadh Marathon next month. Mohammed Abdullah from R7 and Islam Gerbil from Riyadh Urban Runners said they would participate in the Tokyo Marathon. The two are experienced runners and will be visiting Japan for the first time. Iwai said one of the key pillars of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 was to strengthen culture and sports ties. This was demonstrated recently with a leading Japanese sports company opening a store in Riyadh, he added. Amal Maghazil, the founder of Riyadh Urban Runners, said the sports sector was growing rapidly in Saudi Arabia, with more women and girls participating. Sachiko Talbi, a Japanese coach working with the runners, told Arab News Japan that running “welcomes everyone and could be done by everyone, regardless of their age or fitness level.” Talbi will be participating in the Riyadh Marathon, and next week in the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, the world’s largest event of its kind for females. “Sadly, I didn’t secure a place in the Tokyo Marathon, however, I will be cheering on the two fortunate runners, Islam and Mohammed,” she added.