Qingdao Pacific Marathon Draws Over 10,000 Runners
On December 10th, the annual “Qingdao Pacific Marathon” took place in Miyazaki City, attracting more than 10,700 runners from across Japan. The event, now in its 37th year, featured a 42.195km marathon starting at Miyazaki City Prefectural Sports Park and ending in the city center.
This year, the marathon reintroduced the 3km course, giving elementary school students the opportunity to run alongside their parents. Approximately 500 people, including young students and elderly runners, took on the challenge with enthusiasm.
A Unique Challenge
Prior to the marathon, one daring participant caught the attention of onlookers by donning a dinosaur costume, expressing a goal to complete the race in this unusual attire.
A Popular Coastal Course
Known for its scenic coastal route with a tropical atmosphere, the Qingdao Pacific Marathon has secured its place as a leading citizen’s marathon in Japan. Participants enjoyed the picturesque views and encouragement from spectators along the way.
As the runners approached the physically demanding second half of the marathon, the breathtaking vista of the Hyuga-nada Sea provided them with added motivation to reach the finish line.
Encouraging Participation
With the revival of the 3km course, the marathon successfully engaged a wide range of participants, making it a memorable and inclusive event for families and individuals of all ages.
A third-grade elementary school student from Fukuoka City shared her experience, noting the excitement and challenges she faced during the race while her father supported her every step of the way.
The annual “Qingdao Pacific Marathon” was held in Miyazaki City on the 10th, with over 10,000 runners running through Miyazaki in December.
This year, the 3km course was revived for the first time in four years, and saw elementary school students running with their parents.
More than 10,700 runners from all over the country will participate in this year’s 37th Qingdao Pacific Marathon, running a 42.195km marathon that starts at Miyazaki City Prefectural Sports Park and ends in the center of Miyazaki City. to be held on the course.
Before the race started at 9 am, a male runner wearing a dinosaur costume said, “I aim to finish the marathon so that people can see that they can run a full marathon in this costume.”
The Qingdao Pacific Marathon is one of the pioneers of citizen’s marathons in Japan, and its coastal course with a tropical atmosphere is gaining popularity.
The runners ran at their own pace while being cheered on by the crowds of people along the route.
During the physically demanding second half, around 35km, I was encouraged by the magnificent view of the Hyuga-nada Sea along the course as I headed for the finish line.
In addition, this year, the 3km course that runs through the park was revived for the first time in four years, and around 500 people including elementary school students with their families and elderly runners ran through it with all their strength.
A third grade elementary school girl from Fukuoka City said, “It was difficult because I didn’t know where the goal would be, but it was fun. My father was following me and it seemed difficult.”
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