Japan is the country of 1998 Nagano Olympics gold medalist speedskater Hiroyasu Shimizu and 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist marathon runner Naoko Takahashi.

While the stars are known separately for the speed and endurance, the skating marathon, a century-old event that originated in the Netherlands, will bring both aspects together in Japan next month.

Although the marathon skating has yet to gain a foothold in Japan, the international skating marathon to be held in eastern Hokkaido from Feb. 22 to 24 could herald a new page in the country's winter sports.

The venue for the event, Lake Akan, a placid mountain lake in Akan National Park, is 200 km east of Sapporo. This year, some 500 people, including top athletes from the Netherlands and other countries, will gather in this small hot spring resort to skate in freezing temperatures.

The competition will kick off with a 10-km time trial and a series of races of 25, 50, 100 and 200 km on a 25-km track.

The highlight is the 200-km speed race, where the world's top skaters will compete for a ranking and 300,000 yen in prize money. There are other competitions for ordinary skaters, including a 500-meter race and a 5-km race for children and their parents. The race course will be open to the public between Feb. 18 and 21.

"Completing the 200-km race is a moving experience. You can also enjoy the crisp air and a spectacular view of snowy mountains while skating at your own pace," said Shigeru Takada, one of the organizers of the event.