The 8th JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon” was held (6/9)

Marathon in the rain

Today (Sunday, June 9, 2024), the 8th JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon was held in Nagato City. This marathon event was held with JAL (Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.) as special sponsor. The marathon course, with its severe ups and downs, is set around the Yuya/Mukatsuku Peninsula in Nagato City, and has become well known as a "Mukatsuku" sporting event, as its name implies. This article provides photos of the Double & Single Marathon.

Dawn start

The "JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon" consists of three courses: a double marathon (84.39 km), a single marathon (42.195 km), and a terraced rice field walk (approximately 30 km). Unfortunately, it was raining on the morning of the event, and it continued to rain on and off. The start and finish line was set at Aburaya Sports Park. Participants arrived at the event site by private car or shuttle buses from various locations in the city.

This year's guest runner is Mizuki Noguchi, who won the gold medal in the women's marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Double Marathon & Single Marathon Starts

The double marathon will start at 6:00 AM, the single marathon at 8:30 AM, and the terraced rice field walk at 9:00 AM. Before the start of each section, singer-songwriter Kinuyo sang "Tsuyoku," the theme song of the "JAL Mukou Tsugu Double Marathon," to encourage the runners.

The double marathon started simultaneously at 6:00!　The single marathon started at 8:30, divided into three groups and spaced out.

Mizuki Noguchi started from near the end of the single marathon. She enjoyed the run up to the famous "very hilly" section (between Motonosumi Shrine and Senjojiki) of the "JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon.

Double Marathon & Single Marathon on the Road

Water station in front of Mukozugu area

Aid and water stations are located throughout the course, where runners can refuel, rest, and enjoy local delicacies. At each aid and water station, volunteer staff and children from the city will be on hand to encourage the athletes as they run the tough course.

pata-ya aide

Oura Aid

Indonesian children also participated in Oura Aid. They were staying in the city for international exchange through judo.

Children will also perform taiko drumming to cheer on the athletes.

Tateishi Kannon - Tateishi Aid

Entering the northern part of Aburatani, where the Sea of Japan can be seen. Some people stopped to take commemorative photos of the view of the terraced rice paddies.

Upon entering the Tateishi district, visitors are greeted by the distinctive large rock "Tateishi Kannon". It is an object of worship for fishermen and other locals.

Tateishi Aid is set up in front of the fishing port, where you will also receive hospitality from the local people.

Motonosumi Shrine - Senjyashiki

The "JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon" is full of ups and downs, but it gets even tougher from here.

The famous "steep slope" section begins near Motonosumi Shrine!

Around this point, the runners' "rugged = infuriating" expressions began to increase even more.

After passing the one-way area of Motonosumi Shrine and entering the road to Senjajiki, the "steep slope" finally reaches its peak! The ascent to the top of Senjajiki is continuous.

Finally, we reach the aid at the top.

There was also an air salon-pass spraying service for runners who finished the strenuous hill.

Also served here was "Choshu Dori Chicken Curry".

Mr. Noguchi also finished climbing the strenuous slope without incident.

Yagaura Aid - Hiokigami area

From Senjidajiki, take the mountain road toward Kohado to reach Yagaura Aid.

Here, udon noodles prepared by local mothers were served.

After exiting the aid station, the trail heads back through the countryside toward Senjojiki. At a tent along the way, the local brass band "Gakugakudan" and the brass band of Hioki Junior High School will give a joint performance.

In addition, local people were hospitable with private aides near the rice paddies.

Head in the direction of Senjojiki, passing between rice paddies.

Goal!

After passing through the Utsuka direction from before Senjojiki and passing through Aburatani Bay again, we finally reached the goal at Aburatani Sports Park. Everyone was heading toward the goal with all their might.

Shortly after noon, the first runner of the double marathon crossed the finish line!

The top single and double runners also reached the goal one after another.

Noguchi-san will wait at the finish line and exchange high-fives with the runners.

Finishers were handed commemorative medals.

During the awards ceremony, Noguchi was asked about his impressions of the course. "It was ups and downs beyond my imagination, and I was really 'ticked off' (laughs), but it was so great that I can see why everyone wants to repeat it every year! But it was so great that I can see why everyone wants to repeat it every year! I was really "disgusted" by the ups and downs of the course, which were more than I had ever imagined.

I hope the event will be held next year with good weather!

Related Links

JAL Mukouzugu Double Marathon official website