Thirty-four years ago, a signature-collecting campaign was carried out primarily by citizens based on their fervent desire to have a full marathon in which anybody could participate, and they were able to a gather more than 100,000 signatures! The first Yokohama Marathon, whose course passed through the central part of the city, was held the following year. The original event featured 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) and 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) races, and half marathon races were held starting in 1992. The Yokohama Women’s Marathon was started in 2009 for top runners only, and now the full marathon that citizens have been waiting for will finally make its Yokohama debut!