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A must-see for marathon lovers, enjoy with all five senses Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon
January 17, 2023
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I heard that the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon was amazing, so I took part in it.
Nice to meet you. My name is Kanitaro Abashiri. I love hairy crabs at the dawn of drift ice so much that I participated in the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon while wearing a crab costume.
In a nutshell, it was "the best marathon", so I would like to share this experience with many runners.
I myself have completed about 10 full marathons, and I am a so-called traveling runner who participates in the Tokyo Marathon as well as regional marathons such as Okinawa.
In this article, I would like to convey the charm of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon by using my own photos, photos taken by the photographer, photos from the test run the day before, and photos given by the official.
What is the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon?
The Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon is a marathon held every September. You can choose 3km, 5km, full marathon depending on your running ability.
The great point of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon is
- superb view marathon
- gourmet marathon
- heart full marathon
The full marathon is an event where you can enjoy the superb view of Abashiri, enjoy Abashiri's exquisite gourmet at Aid, communicate with other runners and locals, and enjoy it with all five senses.
Also, the time limit is long at 6 hours and 30 minutes, making it a gourmet runner-friendly competition.
Here are some pictures of how I participated in the competition.
The start of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon is in front of the Abashiri Prison
The place usually has a solemn atmosphere, but on this particular day, it is full of festivities.
Moreover, there is a signboard of Abashiri Prison and a photo spot where it is easy to take pictures. There are many cosplay runners in the venue before the start, and the venue is livening up.
By the way, Kanibijo's T-shirt has "NO ABAMARA NO LIFE" on it. She is a full-blown crab beauty.
The race is starting with photos.
Runners will start all at once when the start signal is given.
Briefly explain the course layout of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon
Start from Abashiri Prison, run through the city for a while, climb the steep slope of Futatsuiwa, and aim for Cape Notoro.
After that, proceed to Lake Notoro and Notoro Fishing Port, and aim for the goal, Omagari Lakeside Park.
There are plenty of superb views and Abashiri Gourmet Aid along the way.
Let's start the race.
This was taken the day before the race. It is located outside the station, so please stop by when you are near Abashiri Station. Since Honshu is connected to Hakodate, Sapporo, and Abashiri by train, it is possible to go to Abashiri by train from Honshu. You may be able to enjoy a leisurely and elegant journey.
After passing Futatsuiwa, the steep slope point starts.
Eatable milk made over 5 days using only Abashiri milk and beet granulated sugar.
Delicious sweets like cookies and caramel.
I'm running in the picture, but I actually walked a lot.
Gourmet runners might not want to try too hard here.
Cape Notoro, one of the highlights of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon
Well, after crossing the long ups and downs, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view "Cape Notoro".
Cape Notoro is beautiful no matter when you come, and you can even see drift ice in winter.
We will go around the tip of the cape, "Cape Notoro Misaki Lighthouse".
Here you run a little on the grass that is not in the city run.
The contrast between the Sea of Okhotsk and the blue sky is beautiful.
It was cold with rich yet smooth milk and it was really delicious.
Aiming for the barrier at the 29 km mark
Toro in Lakeside Park is the gateway at the 29 km point.
If you go beyond this point, you will start to see the goal.
I'm starting to feel a little tired, but I'm going to run towards the next Gourmet Aid.
Lake Abashiri boasts more than 80% of the amount of freshwater clams landed in Hokkaido. The soup stock works great and is delicious.
A local resident told me, "Abashiri Wagyu Beef aid will be available soon," and my energy was revived. I will start running for Okhotsk Abashiri Wagyu beef.
Recharge your tired body with Abashiri Wagyu beef.
Tendo City is a tourism and product exchange city, so there is an aid exchange.
I'm happy to be able to eat Tendo City's special product "Shine Muscat" in Abashiri.
To the impressive goal greeted by sunflowers
With the support of people along the route and volunteer staff, I headed towards the finish line.
The goal is a spectacular view that I have never seen before.
2.6 million sunflowers welcome Kanitaro who worked hard.
When the Omagari Kohanenchi comes into view, all the fatigue disappears and you are surrounded by relief and a sense of accomplishment.
I'm really happy to be able to run a marathon while enjoying gourmet food with such a superb view.
Delicious aid, breathtaking views, and roadside cheering.
I have participated in many marathons so far, but the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon was exceptional.
I can recommend it to all runners, and it is a competition that can be the purpose of your trip.
I would love for runners from overseas to participate.
You should be able to make the best memories.
A sunflower welcomes you.
Finally
Did you get a sense of the charm of the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon?
It looks like fun, but is there anyone who thinks it's far away?
Abashiri can go to Abashiri city in 30 minutes from "Memanbetsu Airport".
I hope that both Japanese and foreigners will come to Abashiri.
Finally, after the marathon, the sun went down over Lake Abashiri on the way to Memanbetsu Airport.
Abashiri is where the casual everyday becomes a spectacular view.
Everyone interested in the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon
Abashiri can be reached at a low cost even from Honshu if you use an early bird or LCC.
The Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon is ranked number one in the marathon ranking of the running portal site RUNNET.
Let's meet at next year's race♪ We look forward to seeing you.
[Official] Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon
https://www.abashiri-marathon.jp/