YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Team Yokota hosted the 43rd Annual Frostbite Road Race, featuring three different race routes that spanned across Yokota Air Base, Jan. 21.
The event has grown into one of the most popular road races held in Japan since its 1981 inception. This year, approximately 10,000 participants, both Japanese and American, donned ponchos and rain jackets to endure persistent rain and frigid temperatures while participating in either the 2K family and kids run, 5K run, or a half-marathon.
“It’s an exciting experience for the Japanese people who aren’t able to come onto base on a regular basis,” said Matthew Brinker, Yokota Striders Running Club president. “It demonstrates to our friends in Japan how committed we are to maintaining a relationship.”
The race was organized and put on by the Yokota Striders Running Club, an on-base non-profit organization that aims to strengthen connections with the local community through physical fitness. Their efforts were assisted by countless volunteers from the local community, Team Yokota private organizations and members of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.
“This event displays the close, long-standing relationship Yokota shares with its surrounding communities,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “Moments like this truly show camaraderie and cooperation between the United States and Japan.”