On April 20, nine JFE Shoji Group employees participated in the "Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon 2025" held in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, as corporate volunteers. The marathon was started in 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Tsuchiura City, and this year marked the 35th marathon.
On the day of the race, it was lightly overcast, and the conditions were not too bad for the runners, but more than 13,000 participants ran through the course with beautiful views of Kasumigaura.

The J-Shosha Group has been a corporate volunteer at the Kasumigaura Marathon since 2015, providing water to runners, etc. This year, the ninth marathon, we were the first volunteer to collect measurement chips from runners' Bibs at the finish line area. With runners constantly arriving from before noon until late in the evening, we struggled at first to collect the chips quickly and accurately, but by working together with volunteers from other companies and devising a formation, we were gradually able to proceed efficiently. We also helped with commemorative photos at the finish line area and received words of appreciation from many runners, which made us feel that volunteer activities were fun and rewarding.

Three employees from our group also participated as runners and completed the race.
Mr. Arai of the Real Estate Office, who completed the 10-mile course, said, "I started practicing around the beginning of the year and gradually increased my mileage in preparation for this race. The wind was unexpectedly strong in Kasumigaura, and it was a bit difficult to run with the wind blowing from the side, but I am glad I was able to finish the race safely! I am glad I was able to complete the race in one piece!

The J Shoji Group will continue to actively participate in volunteer activities and other social contribution activities to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.