Japan Day

A golden dragon dance, intended to bring good luck, helped to start the morning off right.

There is no lack of spirit at the Japan Run, as shown by these costumed runners.

Wonder Woman, a heroine here and in Japan, inspired these women.

Japanese Olympic marathoner Reiko Tosa—the bronze medalist at the 2007 IAAF World Championships Marathon—and her training partner Chisato Osaki relaxed before the start.

Runners started the four-mile course on the 102nd Street Transverse on a humid 65-degree morning.

New Yorkers Kimberly Russell (36:53) and Takashi Daito (33:39) made their way to the finish line.

Running in a traditional outfit, Atsuko Maruyama Minuti of Hoboken, NJ, finished in 35:40.

Mobatsinh Chudasama, 70, of Glen Oaks, and Ifeanyi Ezissi, Jr., of Garden City, finished in 58:17 and 40:36, respectively.

Brian Baumann, 19, of Rockaway Point, finished third his age group in 26:47.

Spectators came out in force to cheer 2,490 runners to the finish line.

Thomas Bayer of Floral Park ran 39:40 on a beautiful day in the park.

Another New Yorker, Jennifer Horine, ran 42:00.

The men’s champion, Jorge Real of West Side Runners, broke the tape in 20:53.

Tosa (right) and Osaki celebrated as they broke the tape; Tosa was awarded the win, in 24:44, and Osaki’s time was 24:45.

The media mobbed Tosa after the race. A superstar in Japan, she will compete in the women’s marathon at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The kids races are a chance for young friends to come together and celebrate fitness.

This participant “didn’t ask to be a princess, but hey,” according to her t-shirt.

The kids gave it their all as proud parents and fans looked on.

The kids races foster friendly competition, but everyone receives a medal at the finish line.