The Road to the Shonan International Marathon] Vol. 4 Consideration for the Environment in Races through Trail Running.

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled.

The 15th Shonan International Marathon, scheduled to be held on February 28, 2021, was "cancelled" by the organizers on December 10, 2020.

With all races being cancelled across the board due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection, the organizers were looking for a way to hold the race while considering shortening the distance and changing the course. In light of the current situation where the spread of the infection has not been halted, it seems that the decision to cancel the race had to be made with difficulty. It is unfortunate, but given the current situation, it cannot be helped.

Participated in one of the most popular trail races in Japan.

With the announcement of the cancellation of the Shonan International Marathon, the Road to the Shonan International Marathon, which has been the subject of this Series, has come to a close, but in this issue, we would like to report on the trail running race that we had planned to participate in from the beginning of the series of events leading up to the Shonan International Marathon.

On December 12, two days after the cancellation of the 15th Shonan International Marathon was announced, several members of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡ who were scheduled to run in the event were in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. The reason was to participate in the trail running race "Izu Trail Journey 2020 (ITJ)" to be held on the following day, the 13th.

The event was held with every possible infection control measure in place, including mandatory temperature checks and recording via an online system for two weeks before and after the event, the wearing of masks at the venue, thorough disinfection and social distance, and a decentralized start to avoid density.

The North Face, the same sponsor (top partner) as for the Shonan International Marathon, was the top sponsor of the marathon. A visit to the brand's booth at the athlete registration area in front of Mishima Station revealed stainless steel jugs for water supply, which were scheduled to be set up at the Shonan International Marathon.

Eri, a member of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB ♡, regretted, "I wanted to run in Shonan. The 15th Shonan International Marathon was held under the new rule of "carry your own bottle" in order to reduce the amount of garbage. If the event had been held as scheduled, we would have used this jug to supply water to the bottles we carry ourselves during the race. With the future still uncertain, it will be some time before the world's first My Bottle Marathon is held.

Now it's time to get started.

The ITJ is one of the most popular races among trail runners in Japan, and in addition to the existing 70 km category, a new 26 km category has been added this year.

HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡ members participated in this year's event in the 70km category. Starting from Matsuzaki-cho in the southwestern part of the Izu Peninsula, the course headed northward over the peninsula and through the mountains to Shuzenji, a famous hot spring resort. The course has been partially changed, and the distance is now 66 km. The start time is 6:00 am on December 13. The time limit is 14 hours.

At the gate before the start. From left to right, HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡♡ Director Issey Enomoto, club member Eri-chan, Vice Director Hiroshi Yamamoto, and club member Suzu Suzuki, beginning their 66-km long journey.

What we can learn from trail runs.

Trail run races are mainly set on mountain trails and forest roads. Compared to road marathons, there are fewer participants, so they are less dense and naturally social distance is maintained.

Aid stations are set up every 10 to 20 km. Athletes can replenish drinks and food here.

In trail running races, it is common practice for runners to carry their own bottles and to drink their own water. In addition to their own bottle, rain jackets, lights, and food are designated as "must-haves," and runners carry a backpack to store them. This is a decisive difference from road marathons, where runners run light and empty-handed, and water is supplied in paper cups at water stations.

At the aid station in the Doi parking lot at the 51.2 km point, there were stainless steel jugs for water supply with the logo of "The North Face," which were also placed at the booth in the registration area.

Soft flask with the tournament logo, one of the participation prizes of this year's tournament. The stylish design is very clever.

Returning to the Shonan International Marathon, the event was scheduled to be held on February 28, 2021, and the new "must carry your own bottle" rule was inspired by trail running races, where running while carrying your own bottle is the norm.

The North Face, which has been supporting trail running for many years, has made this kind of environmentally friendly and valuable proposal, which is why it is so compelling.

Midway through the race, when the participants reach the Mt. Izu Ridge Trail, known as one of the most scenic areas in the area, the view in front of them opens up and a beautiful single trail stretches out before them.

Fuji in front of me and Suruga Bay on my left. The final part of the race, from Mt. Tatsuma down to Toda Pass, is the highlight of the ITJ.

And the finish!

Passing through the finish gate and sharing the excitement with your friends. It is a special moment when the hardships of the past are instantly blown away. Thus, the journey across the Izu Peninsula by the members of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡s came to an end.

After the race.

I love racing," said the members of the Hui-Nam Running Club♡ who took part in the ITJ. The members of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡ who participated in this year's ITJ were all saying that. "Yo-ii-don! and run in the same place at the same time, and share the experience with others. This is a real thrill that can only be experienced in a race. The ITJ made me realize this once again.

Although the 15th Shonan International Marathon has been cancelled, we are sure that the day will come when the event will be successfully held and we will be able to run with all our might along the beautiful coastal paths of Shonan. HOUYHNHNM's will continue to introduce all things related to My Bottle Runners, keeping in mind the environmental friendliness of trail running that we learned at the ITJ. Stay tuned.

Text_Issey Enomoto