Katsuta Marathon Race (The 52nd)

Date : Tuseday February 11, 2004 Weather : Cloudy then Sunny

Location : Nitachinaka City, Ibaraki Pref.


Details of Race

Race	Full	Time Limit	5h00m	5,300 Runners
	10 km		*	4,300 Runners
Entry Fee	Yen 3,500
Contact	2-6-1 Matsudo-cho Hitachinaka City 312 0016 Ibaraki Pref. Secretariat of Katsuta Marathon race Tel:029-275-7752
Gift	T-shirt
Free Service	Sportdrink, Water, Banana, Chocolate, Candy
Remarks	Free shuttle bus available

IMAGES

 
Gate Gate Reception

Record & Impresion

• I left home before 6:00 AM. It was cloudy and the temperature was zero degree Centigrade.
• I met my friend, Mr. M who would join 10 km race, at Nippori Station. We got on the local train of Joban Line at 7:05 AM. The train was not so crowded.
• While I was looking for the toilet in the train, I came across Mr. U, with whom I once ran at 24-hour relay marathon race. I invited him to our seat box and we talked about marathon until we arrived in Katsuta Station.
• It took almost two and half hours to Katsuta. But the train was passed by a few limited express trains during the period. Anyway, too far from my home.
• It took 15 minutes from the station to the marathon site on foot. I met with my other running mates there, Messers. T and O and even Ms. S.
• I changed the wears just beside the gymnasium. It was cold. I frequently wanted to go to the toilet. Fortunately, there were provisional toilets just in front of us.
• Full marathon race would start at 11:00 AM. I could fortunately position at the front part of the line this time together with Mr. O. However, a lot of runners sneaked into around us just before the start. The front part of the line was just like in the train at rush-hour time. I felt fear that I might push down immediately after the start.
• Fortunately, it was not so dangerous as expected when started. I could pass the starting line just 33 seconds later. The running course was soon widened and the crowd was eased.
• The weatherman said it would be fine and warm. However, it was cloudy when started and a little bit cold.
• This time, my condition at the initial stage was not so good. I was passed by many runners.
• After passing 10 km point, I could finally catch up with other runners.
• To my joy, split time at every 5 km was my best.
• I found Mr. O just before 35 km point. I could soon pass him.
• I could maintain my running pace even after 35 km point.
• I thought I could run at the same running pace to the goal. However, my running pace suddenly slowed down at around 39 km point.
• During the last 2 km, the pace further slowed down. I was passed by Mr. O and even by a young gal. I tried to catch up with her, but in vain.
• Anyway, I had to endure the hardships and continue to run to the goal.
• The goal time was 3 hours 47 minutes, which was my best! I could run within 3 hours 50 minutes for the first time.
• After the race, we had an after-the-race party at the Japanese pub in front of the station. Although the time was around 4:00 PM, it was already open. (Usually, opening time is 5:00 PM.) We enjoyed drinking delicious draft beers in the warm room. The runners were coming one by one and the pub was soon fully occupied.
• We took on the local train to be left at 6:03 PM. We could occupy one box seat. We started the second party in the train with Japanese Sake which I brought. I was drunk and soon fell in asleep. When I waked up, the train just arrived in Nippori Station.
• I could get home after 8:00 PM. I took a shower, then drank a canned beer again. I felt good and went to bed.
• The weather became fine at the rear part of the race. Generally speaking, it was calm, however, the wind at Katsuta in February was cold.
• I could appreciate the cheers and food given from the people along the route. This time, the race was 52nd. For them, the marathon race seems to be one of their annual function.
• My first attendance to full marthon race was 46th Katsuta Marathon Race (6 years ago) and thus I am attched to Katsuta.
  
  Split Time
  

  5 km	26 minutes
  10 km	51 minutes
  15 km	1 hour 17 minutes
  20 km	1 hour 42 minutes
  Middle	1 hour 49 minutes
  25 km	2 hours 14 minutes
  30 km	2 hours 39 minutes
  35 km	3 hours 03 minutes
  40 km	3 hours 33 minutes
  Goal	3 hours 47 minutes

  
  

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