St. George, UT - Ibigawa Japan
Ibigawa Japan
Marathon Exchange to Ibigawa, Japan:
A Trip to Remember
By David Cordero
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By David Cordero
Many of us were tired from the long journey, yet were unable to sleep. Then came the reassuring words from our compatriot Aaron Metler, the four-time St. George Marathon winner who has made this trip several times before.
“The bus is undefeated,” said Metler, with his infectious chuckle. “Everyone falls asleep at this point in the trip.”
Sure enough, many of us nod off during the 90-minute long final leg. However, as we approach Ibigawa Town Hall, any fatigue from our traveling group quickly vanishes. It is replaced by the anticipation of meeting our gracious hosts.
This 35-year-old sister city marathon exchange is in full motion. The feeling is nothing short of magical.
It begins
A little history lesson: In 1988, Ibigawa hosted its first ever marathon. Shortly thereafter, a tour company that regularly brought Japanese tourists to Southern Utah contacted the St. George Marathon director. An idea was hatched: the two cities would send delegations and marathon winners in an effort to enhance each marathon and to broaden the scope of understanding between countries and cultures.
The exchange was an immediate hit.
In the ensuing 35 years, this trip has enriched the lives of hundreds – Americans and Japanese alike. The 2024 St. George delegation had 23 people, including Marathon officials, City Councilman Steve Kemp and Washington County School District officials (and their spouses), along with two elite runners and ten 9th grade students from local middle schools.
We would stay with host families, enjoy a vibrant cultural exchange and participate in the Ibigawa Half Marathon. We would only be there for four full days, but the experience was life changing.
Our journey began at St. George Shuttle at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. Three flights, two bus rides and more than 40 hours later (real time: 24 hours, when you take into account the time difference) we find ourselves at Ibigawa Town Office. A significant number of Ibigawa residents are there to welcome us.
The first of dozens of speeches to come (yes, dozens!) was made by Ibigawa Town Mayor Okabe Eiichi. During his talk – he delivered it in English and Japanese – he recalled his trip to St. George in 1990 as part of the first Ibigawa delegation. Wow!
After a short ceremony we met our host families, headed to their homes to get some real sleep and prepare for the days to come.
The kids
Ninth graders from Dixie, Pine View, Snow Canyon, Desert Hills, Crimson Cliffs and Water Canyon middle schools were selected from dozens who submitted essays titled “Japan and Me.” The students quickly bonded with their Japanese counterparts, some of whom also served as host families. When they went to the school they played games, learned about the culture and taught each other the latest dances they learned on social media.
The kids loved to explore places like the Kegonji Temple, pounding the giant drum inside the Float Museum in Takayama City and laughing alongside their new Japanese friends at the welcome luncheon.
And the food. Some were anxious about the exotic fare, wondering about what they were going to eat during the trip. There were plenty of options that weren’t too common in the United States, including cow tongue, eel, octopus and pig intestines.
Most of the kids loved the opportunity to try new foods. One particularly picky eater raved about how much she loved the shrimp. If you knew her, you would consider that a miracle.
Race day and longing for more
A year ago the St. George delegation suffered two hospitalizations on race day. No such bad luck this time, as everyone made it through in good health — and finished strong.
Kassi Harmon, the female masters champion on the most-recent St. George Marathon, finished fourth and earned a spot on the podium. Metler, a fan favorite, placed 10th.
A few others joined the elite runners in the half marathon. The others attacked the Mayor’s Walk. Nearly two miles long, this is a picturesque jaunt with awesome views of the Ibi River and the valley. We brought American candy for children who lined the race course. It was our pleasure to put smiles on their faces — including the adults who were working the race.
We bid our farewells during the evening banquet following race day, and prepared for the long journey home.
It was a power-packed trip, and the students wanted to stay longer.
“We love Ibigawa!” “Do we really have to come home?” “Can we just stay here with our new friends?”
It was an incredible experience, a cultural exchange that warmed hearts, opened minds and created a sense of appreciation for the joys that are possible. Our hosts were incredible. It’s difficult to match their hospitality.
If you are, or know of, an eighth grade student interested in being part of the exchange in November 2025, consider applying. The application period opens in the early Spring. Follow the City of St. George’s social media pages, as well as the St. George Marathon’s for updates.
Apply at
sgcityutah.gov/japan
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