Why is it that every time I run a marathon it is a trial race?
My first marathon was Osaka Yodo-river Citizens' Marathon last year
- under unseasonably summer temperature
My next one was Osaka Marathon 2024 - Racing in the rain
I had hoped that the third time around I would be able to run in desirable conditions, but the day before was a heavy rain and flood warning.
If I had known at the time of registration for the race that the riverbed the day before would be so soggy underfoot, I would have spared the 1,700 yen and chosen to have my bib mailed to me.
This race turned into a marathon where we had to fight against mud and flooding.
I initially bypassed the flooded area in the first half, but on the way back I dared to run through the flooded area, making a lot of noise so that I could “wash” my muddy shoes.
Passing the halfway point, I had the feeling that I had already run 28 kilometers before I knew it. The asphalt road is still easy to run on.
The detour course just before the finish line was muddy just like a rice paddy. I almost lost my footing in the mud. Even walking through it was an ordeal.
I was not happy with the run due to flooding and muddy conditions, but I managed to get under 5 hours. The finish line was also muddy. Thus, there was little sense of happiness or accomplishment; it was more like, “Oh dear.”
you have completed the 26th Osaka Yodo-River Citizens' Marathon
in the record time indicated
and are hereby honored for your efforts.
- Full marathon (men): 1,798
- Full marathon (women): 251
- Half marathon (men): 2,139
- Half marathon (women): 672
- Read more
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