Tokyo Kita Marathon Race (The 46th)

Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010 Weather: Fine

Location: Kitaku, Tokyo (River terrace of Arakawa River)--- Seven minutes on foot from Adachi Odai Station of Toneri Liner Line


Details of Race

Race	Full	Runners	1,600	*
	Half		2,000	*
	10 km		?	*
Entry Fee	Yen 5,000
Contact	114-0024 2-24-11, Nishigahara, Kitaku, Tokyo Radio gymnastic exercises federation in Kita-ku TEL: 03-3915-2212
Gift	Toto Bag, Towel
Free Service	*
Remarks	*

Images

 
Runners Reception Start

Tent


Impression

• I entered the race last year for the first time; however, I could not join owing to injury of my foot.
• The weatherman said it would be fine and the temperature might be more than 25 degrees Centigrade.
• I left home around 6:20 AM with half pant.
• I took on the Toneri Liner from Nishi-nippori station for the first time. The cargo was small and only three cars. A lot of runners were already in the train even in early morning.
• All runners got off at Adachodai Station. There was a large home appliance retailer shop. The bank of Arakawa River was very close to the station.
• We walked on the river terrace of Arakawa River to the Kohoku Bridge. The line of runners continued to the marathon site. The sun was blazing before 8:00 AM. I started to worry about mid-day temperature.
• I finished the registration at the reception and got the bag and towel as gift.
• I changed wears under the designated tent. Many runners were already there.
• More and more runners were gathering and long line continued until the opening ceremony started.
• The opening ceremony started at 9:00 AM. This was the 45th race. It was announced that almost 2,000 runners joined to full and half marathon races respectively. The 10 km race would be also held.
• After the race, the radio gymnastics started. Lately I have never done radio gymnastics. I almost forgot how to radio gymnastics. I had to follow the surrounding runners.
• Full marathon race started at 9:30. The course of full marathon race was two rounds of half marathon race.
• First, the course was down the stream. At the initial stage, the course was so crowded with runners and it was impossible to pass other runners.
• Although the temperature was rising, while running toward the down stream, the wind was blowing and the humid was low, I did not feel so hot.
• The course was flat and monotonous. There was no distance indication and I could not know the actual running distance.
• After 30 minutes from the start, I was passed by the top half-marathon runners who started 15 minutes later.
• The time of first turn around point (6.2 km) was 39 minutes.
• Only water was served at the aid station.
• After turning around, no wind was blowing and I felt hot.
• When I came back to the start point(12.4 km), the time was 1 hour 15 minutes.
• At this time, the runners of 10 km race were coming back to the goal. I could come across a lot of 10 km female runners. I was surprised to see one of female runner was in a bikini.
• I felt it was far away to the second turn around point. It was so hot. I ate chocolate, which I took.
• I could have banana and calorie mate at the aid just before the second turn around point. However, the quantity was so small and thus it immediately became out of stock. I could not have enough food.
• Finally I could reach the second turn around point (16.7 km; 1 hour 42 minutes)
• I started to run to the start point (21.0975 km).
• I managed to reach the starting point. The time was 2 hours 08 minutes. I thought the goal time might be 4 hours 30 minutes. However, I was getting so disgusted that I had to run the same course one more time. I was given a cross brace to identify that I got into the second round.
• Jut before reaching the half point, I found two runners fell over. They seemed to be sunstroke.
• However, the temperature continued to rise and the running pace decreased.
• The number of runners decreased after I passed the middle point.
• Again I reached the first turn-around point (2 hours 50 minutes). Anyway, I had to continue to run. It was a pity that only water was available at the aid station. I took Amino Viatl, which I took by myself.
• I finally reached the starting point again (3 hours 33 minutes). However, I had to run 9 km more. The long way to the goal. A lot of runners started to walk.
• Anyway, it was so hot. The running pace was getting slower and slower. I finally started to walk before reaching the last turn-around point.
• I managed to reach the last turn-around point, but then I started to walk again.
• I ran as fast as possible during the last 2 km to the goal.
• The goal time was 4 hours 41 minutes. The walking time was added.
• After finishing the race, I was given sport drink, banana and apple. But I didn't feel to east since I was so exhausted.
• Since I only had water during the race, I was having queasy feeling at the last stage of the race.
• In addition to bananas and breads, Ume pickles and lemons should be served at the water supply point under such a hot condition. I will have to prepare various kinds of food next time.
• Immediately after finishing the race, the certificate was issued. According to it, I was 478th out of 1616 runners although the goal time was 4 hours 41 minutes. It indicated that the race was so hard. I wondered a lot of runners retired owing to heat.
• I joined the race by myself this time, so I changed the wears and started to go home.
• I ate a little during the race and thus I felt hungry while heading to the station. But there was no restaurant around the station.
• I entered into beef bowl restaurant at Nishi-nippori and ordered a beer and beef bowl. The beer soaked through empty stomach.
• Later I found my body was covered with salt since I sweated so much.
• I could get home at 16:15. It's earlier than expected. I immediately took shower to wash out the salt.
• I was exhausted owing to heat.

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