2004 Delegation	2005 Delegation	2006 Delegation	2007 Delegation	5 days in Japan	Donate money

The Riverside - Sendai Sister City relationship celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year in March of 2007. This is the longest, continuous Sister City relationship in the nation. A tradition was started in 1991 with Sendai hosting a competitive half marathon race and inviting a male and female athlete from each of Sendai ’s Sister Cities to participate in their half marathon race and to honor their Sister Cities in numerous ceremonies and activities. The Sendai International Half Marathon Race has grown in popularity and prestige and has been successful in attracting top-ranked elite athletes including former New York City Marathon Champion Tegla Loroupe and former Boston Marathon Champion Margaret Okayo. The past races have hosted former marathon world record holder like Catherine Ndereba and Chicago Marathon second place finisher Daniel Jenga as the invited runners

The participating runners are expected to have a dual role of athlete/citizen diplomat in representing the City of Riverside at this event. The runners must meet minimum time requirements for the half marathon since the Sendai Half Marathon has timed closures of the course sections with 3 time checkpoints on the course. Male runner must be able to comfortably finish the half marathon in 1 hour and 35 minutes, female runners in 1 hour and 40 minutes as minimum qualifications.

The runners selected by Riverside’s Sendai Committee will travel to Japan along with a coach to represent Riverside in Sendai’s International Sister City Half Marathon Race and all the associated ceremonies and activities. Upon arrival in Japan the delegation is hosted by the City of Sendai for five days. The yearly trip to Sendai by the official delegation from Riverside has a significant ceremonial purpose, which is to commemorate a long history of international friendships through citizen diplomacy.

We would like to present the opportunity to you or your business to donate to this delegation. Though Sendai City invites a delegation every year and covers all cost while in Japan each city is responsible for the travel to Japan. The total amount to be raised is $3,000. This will cover three plan tickets, two jumpsuits for the runners and a variety of gifts to give the citizens of Sendai. The City of Sendai will be covering all other cost for the delegation during their stay.

Donation Levels: $500- Corporate $300- Business $100- Individual

We sincerely thank you for your support,