Zensaku Motegi

Zensaku Motegi, third son of a farmer, graduated in 1913 from Yamagata Normal School, a center of distance running. He then worked as a teacher at the Warabioka Elementary School in Yuba, running to work every day. In 1918 he decided to complete his studies at the Tokyo Higher Normal School. His achievements at the school’s running meets attracted the attention of three-time Olympian [Shizo Kanaguri].

Two years later Motegi was a member of Tokyo Higher’s relay team at the first Hakone Ekiden race, making up more than 11 minutes to give the team a 25 second lead over Meiji University at the finish line. In the summer, he represented Japan at the Antwerpen Olympics, with three of the four Japanese runners in the marathon coming from Tokyo Higher Normal School. In 1921, Motegi took part in the second Hakone Ekiden and finished second in the marathon of the 5th Far Eastern Championships in Shanghai. During his time at the Tokyo Higher, he set national records over 800, 1,500, and 10,000 metres.

After graduating in 1922, Motegi worked as an associate professor at the predecessor of Ibaraki University, where he promoted sports and served as the sports director in Ibaraki prefecture. In the early 1930s, he was sent to Manchuria as a director of the Manchuria Athletic Association. He supported the Manchurian athletes in competing as guests of the Japanese team at the Far East Championship after disagreement over Manchuria’s participation. He stayed in Manchuria as a school principal until the end of World War II.

Motegi then returned to Japan and became involved in agriculture while continuing his engagement in sports administration and judging. In 1950, Motegi collapsed due to a cerebral infarction, from which he never recovered, although he managed to attend the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. At the age of 91, Motegi died from heart failure. In his memory, long-distance runs were held in his hometown Sakata.

Personal Best: 10000 – unknown; Mar – 2-51:10 (1920).