Kawauchi at a conference in Tokyo (Kaz Nagatsuka)
Yuki Kawauchi, who is known for being a "civilian runner" and 2018 Boston Marathon champion, has now announced to become pro. While Kawauchi was a successful runner while working for the Saitama Prefecture government, he believes that he will be able to focus on the sport more. Kawauchi began thinking of going professional, when he represented Japan in the 2017 World Marathon Championships in London. He finished the race in 2:12.19;9th overall. Before he announced to become pro, Kawauchi didn't have a sponsor has he worked for a government. He also didn't have a coach. He works 40 hours a week and trains only on his down time. He believes that in order to set a new personal best, he needs to change his environment and commit only to running. When working at the office, he seems like the average worker, wearing glasses and a suit, working at his desk. But this all changes when he competes almost every weekend, when he is blowing past his competitors in races ranging from half marathons to ultras. Kawauchi even holds the Japanese and World record for the most number of sub 2:20 marathons.
Kawauchi wins the 2018 Boston Marathon in freezing conditions (Elise Amendola/AP)
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