Kyoto Marathon is about to start!
We started from the last block K, but probably because we were the first in the K block, we started about 10 minutes late. I was relieved because I had anticipated about 15 minutes in my original plan.
The first thing we did was run towards the Katsura River. I don’t know what to say, but even though we had just started, I was so excited that I almost cried. I can’t believe I’m coming back to Kyoto full of memories like this…
To be honest, the starting point near Nishikyogoku was far from my usual living area, so the first 5km or so of the run was in an unfamiliar area.
I had a slight fever the day before, so I was worried about my physical condition, but it seemed to be fine. And as for the weather, it seemed that there was not much to worry about at the moment, with even a hint of sunshine.
Now, the course joins the Katsuragawa River just before 5km, and from here it’s a run along the Katsuragawa River for a little over 1km.
Although both sides of the road, which is a one-way lane, are used for the course, the road becomes quite narrow from here. This is a feeling not seen in the Tokyo Marathon. I felt a little frustrated because I was in good shape, but I couldn’t get past them.
And here is the first water supply.
Maybe it’s because this area is still young, but it’s not well organized…. The first water supply at the Tokyo Marathon was certainly confusing for the runners as it was their first time, but the narrowness of the road seemed to make it even more confusing.
With the Togetsukyo Bridge on our left, we passed the first 6.1km barrier gate on time.
We will try to clear the next barrier.
The next stop after Arashiyama is Sagano. It was one of the sections I was looking forward to in this race.
However, the scenery is very nice, but from here the uphill continues until almost 10km. This is the first difficult part of the Kyoto Marathon.
My own condition looked pretty good, but I still had a long way to go, so when I felt out of breath I tried to take it easy and walk a bit to catch my breath.
Then we arrived at the 10km point smoothly.
The Kyoto Marathon also reads the measurement chip on your bib every 5km and records your time.
Now, after 10km, the next stop is Ninna-ji Temple. Being able to visit such famous places is one of the major attractions of the Kyoto Marathon.
The fact that there is such an information board is very Kyoto-like.
After all, it is exciting to run right in front of Ninna-ji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Kyoto.
What a nice sight, a monk cheering us on with a banner! What a wonderful sight!
Around Ninna-ji Temple, there were so many people cheering us on, which cheered us up very much. I’m really glad I could participate!
でもまだまだレースは始まったばかり。（続く）
