Shizō Kanakuri is one of the most fascinating figures in Olympic history, known for a story that combines perseverance, humor, and sportsmanship. His journey began at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where he competed as a marathon runner for Japan. This was Japan’s very first time participating in the Olympic Games, making Kanakuri’s involvement a milestone for his country.
Born in 1891 in Japan, Kanakuri had already gained recognition as a skilled long-distance runner. He qualified for the Stockholm Olympics after setting a marathon world record in his home country. The trip to Sweden, however, was challenging. At the time, Japan was geographically far from Europe, and Kanakuri’s journey to Stockholm took several weeks, traveling by ship and train. By the time he arrived, he was exhausted and still adjusting to the new environment.
The marathon at the Stockholm Olympics was held under difficult conditions. The weather was unusually hot, with temperatures soaring to levels that made running extremely challenging. Many runners struggled with the heat, and some even collapsed during the race. Unfortunately, Kanakuri was one of them. After running about 30 kilometers, he became severely dehydrated and decided to stop at a nearby house to rest. A kind Swedish family took him in and offered refreshments, but Kanakuri felt too weak to continue. Embarrassed by his inability to finish, he quietly left the event without informing the race officials. This led to confusion, as he was officially recorded as “missing” from the race. For a time, he was even considered lost, though he had safely returned to Japan.
Despite this setback, Kanakuri’s story did not end there. He continued his career as a runner and became an important figure in Japanese sports. He participated in subsequent Olympic Games, including the 1920 Antwerp Olympics and the 1924 Paris Olympics, though he never won a medal. Beyond his running career, Kanakuri became a pioneer in promoting athletics in Japan. He is often referred to as the “father of marathon running” in his country for his efforts to popularize the sport and encourage young athletes.
The most remarkable twist in Kanakuri’s story came over 50 years after the Stockholm Olympics. In 1967, Swedish authorities invited him back to Stockholm to officially “finish” the marathon he had abandoned in 1912. Kanakuri accepted the invitation with humor and grace. He crossed the finish line with an official time of 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 20.3 seconds. The timing was, of course, symbolic and meant to highlight the incredible journey he had been on since that day in 1912.
Kanakuri’s completion of the marathon after more than half a century became a lighthearted and inspiring moment in Olympic history. It also showcased his character and sense of humor. When asked about the experience, Kanakuri jokingly said, “It was a long trip. Along the way, I got married, had six children, and 10 grandchildren.”
Shizō Kanakuri passed away in 1983 at the age of 92, but his legacy continues to live on. His story is not just about running a marathon; it is about resilience, humility, and the ability to laugh at oneself. It also serves as a reminder of the human side of sports, where even the challenges and failures become part of a greater narrative.
Today, Kanakuri is celebrated in Japan and around the world as an example of the enduring spirit of the Olympics. His record-setting “longest marathon” is a humorous yet touching chapter in the history of sports, showing that sometimes, the journey matters more than the destination.
