Until Next Year Again

Published September 2, 2024
Kenichi Nakamura (51), Uwajima City

The "Ainan Maranic," where participants run through Ainan Town while enjoying the scenery and food, was held last week. A record-high 478 people took on the challenging 53-kilometer course with its intense ups and downs amidst the sweltering heat.
The term "Maranic" is a portmanteau of marathon and picnic. As someone from this town, I have participated in three consecutive events to fully enjoy the spectacular views while savoring local specialties like bonito and Ainan Gold (Kawachi Bankan) juice.
However, being the impulsive person I am, I always manage to forget something at this event. Even though it's a race where you don't compete for rankings and should just take it easy and enjoy, I carelessly run at full speed only to crash and burn, or I get so exhausted that I lose my appetite, which is the most important part. It's nothing but points for reflection.
For this year's event, I took on the challenge wearing jikatabi (split-toe shoes). I successfully completed the course for the third year in a row. I am grateful to the friends who encouraged me to the finish line even when things were tough, and above all, to the local people who supported the event.
The organizing staff is always dedicated to improving the event every year. Last summer, I was delighted to find that a classmate from high school had set up a new water station exactly where I had thought, "I wish there was a water station here." It was a reunion 30 years in the making.
Thank you. I'll be back again next year!

(Company Employee/Newspaper Delivery Person)

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A friend put together a video of the event day.

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