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for immediate release
July 7, 2026
— The runners will represent Miami Beach as goodwill ambassadors —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Sister Cities Program is looking for two long-distance runners who not only can run a half marathon, but who can also serve as goodwill ambassadors of the City of Miami Beach at the 2027 Shonan Fujisawa City Marathon in Fujisawa, Japan.
“We strengthen the friendship between Miami Beach and Fujisawa through meaningful international exchanges like this one,” shared Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “The Shonan Fujisawa City Marathon gives participants a unique opportunity to represent Miami Beach on the world stage while advancing goodwill, cultural understanding and the lasting value of international partnerships.”
Scheduled to take place on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027, the race is one of Fujisawa’s signature athletic and cultural events. Fujisawa and Miami Beach are sister cities.
“The Miami Beach runners will have the opportunity of a lifetime to join cultural exchange activities, meet local officials and community leaders while enjoying the warm hospitality, traditions and beauty of Fujisawa City,” said Miami Beach Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez. “This is more than a race, it is a cultural journey, a civic honor and a chance to represent Miami Beach on an international stage.”
The runners will be chosen based on running experience and preparedness as well as their ability to serve as positive, enthusiastic representatives of Miami Beach with a commitment to international friendship, cultural exchange and civic engagement.
Application Window
Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. on July 10 through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 7. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should be prepared to:
- Participate in the 2027 Shonan Fujisawa City Marathon (featuring a half-marathon distance) in Japan.
- Serve as goodwill ambassadors for the City of Miami Beach.
- Take part in all cultural and official delegation activities.
- Submit both a preapplication for basic qualification and a full, comprehensive application through GoSmart at mbbiz.gosmart.org.
Application instructions and materials are available through the Miami Beach Sister Cities Program and on the official submission portal at mbbiz.gosmart.org.
For additional information or to request an application, please contact Miami Beach Economic Development at mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov.
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About Miami Beach Sister Cities
Miami Beach Sister Cities is a diplomatic platform that seeks to promote cooperation and direct engagement with global partners on mutual issues concerning economic development, commerce, tourism, education, and art and culture. The Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee is appointed by the Miami Beach City Commission and its mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and citizen diplomacy for the benefit of Miami Beach and its Sister Cities. For more information on the Miami Beach Sister Cities Program, please click here.
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
