The Most Recognizable New York Marathoner Returns Home

Yasuhiro Makoshi is a gargantuan man who stands five feet tall.

You most likely know him. You may have taken a photo with him. For years, his photograph has hung from the rafters at the Javits Center convention hall, where exuberant New York City marathoners pick up their race packets.

The image of his 30th New York City Marathon finish, with his arms raised high in victory, is an enduring photo of the race.

For the Japanese community in New York City, he is more than that. He was a cultural fixture for 45 years. The 70-year-old Makoshi ran Nippon, the iconic midtown restaurant, where he was a paragon of manners; his way quiet, easy, unassuming.

Those that have run with him in Central Park saw another side. They knew a fierce competitor with 328 New York Road Runner finishes, 35 New York City Marathons and five “runner of the year” awards. In 2010, he ran 31 races in one year alone. He made it look effortless.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/29/sports/new-york-city-marathon-makoshi-yasuhiro.html