The Mie Matsusaka Marathon 2024, held on December 15, brought together over 10,000 enthusiastic runners from across the region and beyond, marking it as one of the most significant community sporting events of the year.
Held annually, this marathon is unique as it is the only full marathon event within Mie Prefecture, showcasing not only competitive spirit but also local culture and community support. The atmosphere during the event was electric, characterized by the cheer of spectators along the route, particularly from children who passionately encouraged the participants.
Statistics from the event revealed participation numbers soaring to 9,258 for the marathon alone, alongside 640 registered for the fan run and 1,005 for the health walk, combining to over 10,000 people engaged with the event. This year’s marathon saw especial interest from elite athletes, one of whom was Yukihiro Kawauchi
Kawauchi, who has been invited for the third consecutive year, took to social media platform X to express his excitement before the race. He mentioned, "This is my life’s first marathon experience at Mie. Two years ago, I made my debut at this historic event." Despite expressing doubts about his chances for victory following recent performances, his determination to deliver his best fueled his anticipation for the race.
The marathon route showcased Matsusaka City's charming landmarks, providing scenic views as runners sped past historical sites such as the Matsusaka Castle ruins. Alongside the stunning vistas, participants were treated to local specialties, including Matsusaka beef. Various food stations were set up, allowing runners to refuel with delicious beef steak mid-race, adding to the unique experience of this event.
Once the race began at 9 AM, athletes ranging from professional runners to amateurs set off together, creating moments of camaraderie and competition. The men’s race was dominated by Kyrgyzstani athlete Iliya Chapkin, who finished with astonishing precision at 2 hours 16 minutes and 53 seconds—his first victory at this event. On the women’s side, Miki Iino from Osaka secured her win with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 56 seconds, marking another milestone for her marathon career.
Cheering them on were former Olympians, including Mizuki Noguchi, who captured the gold medal at the Athens Olympics. Her presence provided inspiration to the participants; as she was one of the figures rooting for every runner crossing the finish line. She has been vocally supportive of community events like this, adding credibility to the event's significance and attracting more attention to the problems athletes tackle.
Among the numerous anecdotes shared by participants, many expressed pride and fulfillment from completing the course, which is noted for its challenging inclines and scenic tunnels adorned with motivational displays from local school children. A participant from Kuwana shared, "It was tough but fulfilling to complete my first marathon," encapsulating the spirit of perseverance and achievement evident on race day.
Another runner from Aichi mentioned how the supportive atmosphere and local delicacies along the route enriched the experience, stating, "We received cheers from children and enjoyed local delicacies along the route." These sentiments echoed through the community, reinforcing the marathon's importance not only as a competition but as a celebration of local culture.
The post-race atmosphere showcased more festivities, as the city looked forward to future events, including the upcoming “Shimo Furimatsuri” meant to celebrate Matsusaka’s culinary excellence, scheduled for December 29-31, right after the marathon. It is clear the marathon is not just about running; it is about building community ties and fostering health consciousness.
The well-rounded nature of the Matsusaka Marathon reflects its growth each year, with increasing entries from outside the prefecture showcasing its rising reputation. The event has transformed over the years to be more than just about clocks and distances, prioritizing the interconnection within the community and celebrating the beautiful region of Matsusaka, which is filled with nature's abundance and culinary delights.
This year’s Mie Matsusaka Marathon was not just another result on the leader board; it was about people's shared aspirations and experiences within the vibrant Matsusaka community.
