Tokyo Marathon Eve ‘Pasta Party’ at the Dutch Embassy
The Netherlands is a very sports-enthusiastic country. Dutch athletes such as Anton Geesink, the “quiet giant” who won the gold medal in the open weight class at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and Alt Schenck, a speed skater who showed great success at the Sapporo Olympics, have been known for a long time. Many Dutch people love to be physically active, and that includes cycling and running marathons.
At the Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan, a “pasta party” was held for Dutch people and friends who were planning to participate in the Tokyo Marathon. The purpose of this event, which was co-organized by Pieter Terpstra, Minister Counsellor, Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to Japan and his team, was to prepare for the next day by taking in a lot of carbohydrates. The Mexican ambassador to Japan, Melba Pria, who is known as a marathon enthusiast, also participated in the “Save Energy “pasta party.
Due to restrictions on movement because of COVID-19 from 2020, the Tokyo Marathon was closed for general participation, and many runners who gathered for last year’s race were unable to participate. This year, the Tokyo Marathon was held as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, and many runners were able to participate. The marathon became even more fun when many Dutch who flew to Japan to participate in the Tokyo marathon gathered at the embassy to enjoy a carb-filled, evening pasta party.
The day before a sporting event, everyone gets together to eat plenty of carbohydrates to build energy, develop friendships, and enjoy sports. As a result, many runners were able to complete their list of the global six main marathons (including Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York) in Tokyo, probably because the carbs they ate the day before provided enough energy!
With the completion of the Tokyo marathon, the Dutch runners who came to Japan have completed the six major marathons in the world: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo.
There is much to be learned from the enjoyment of Dutch-style sports, such as physical training and socializing, and pasta parties.
