Sunday, November 1, 2015

Foodvalley Tokachi Half Marathon

Foodvalley Tokachi Half Marathon

フードバレーとかちマラソン

What: Half marathon, 5k, 2.5k

Where: Obihiro

Date: 11/1

Deadline: 9/30

Fee: 5200 for adults

Time restrictions: Yes, 2:30 for the half, 50 minutes for the 5k.

THE biggest, most popular, and arguably most delicious half marathon in the sub-prefecture of Tokachi.  Starting in downtown Obihiro with a very slight climb out to the Obihiro no Mori Sports park for the turn-around and then a slight downhill for the second half.  The course is always lined with spectators and volunteer groups cheering you on and providing sweets, refreshment and entertainment to help take your mind of the pain! High school volunteers, adult volunteer groups, staff, local cake shops and banks, all provide support for runners along the course.  You might not want to slow down as you try to get your best time but it will be hard to pass up all the sweets along the course.  The famous cake and confectionery shop Rokkatei had not an aid station but a "Sweets Station" set up along the course where they offered chocolates and bite-sized pieces of cake for runners in 2014. Runners have received "Manpuku tickets" worth 1000 yen that can be used at outside food stalls and some type of sporting goods.  I have received a running pouch, a small duffle bag, and last year an over-the-shoulder one strap bag. I don't use the running pouch much but I do sometimes, It has a bottle holder.  I do use the other bags all the time.

http://hokkaido-run.jp/obihiro/

If you need help getting registered, let me know in the comments.

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Limited information is included in the calendar entries. For more information, leave a comment. I try to post the deadlines for the races. The place where the race is held is also included. You can see where it is by clicking on the map link.