Utsunomiya[OOtsOOnO´mEA] Pronunciation Key, city (1990 pop. 426,809), capital of Tochigi prefecture, central Honshu, Japan. A tobacco-processing center and tourist resort, it has industries that produce aircraft, railway cars, and paper. Landmarks include the Peace Cannon statue and the 9th-century Oyaji temple.

...It was a beautiful, crispy cool day (except for the 5 a.m. bus departure, at which time it was freezing).  This race was a classic road race, not as scenic as an in-the-country or through-the-mountains run, but the trees still clung vibrantly colored leaves and there was one long stretch embraced by a colorful canopy that mesmerized the runners along both the start and finish section. Two minor hills spiced up an otherwise flat course. Those running the half marathon ran as a loosely cohesive group for most of the way and had fun singing jodies (those marching cadence jingles) for part of the way.  In the spirit of fun and comraderie, some Japanese runners joined the chorus. That was some great motivation! The water stops were well spaced and helped, except the last stop which was about a quarter mile before the finish line and tricked runners into thinking there was a greater distance remaining…so they slowed/stopped when they should have kept pushing to the end.

Afterwards all runners enjoyed hot soup in the sun (it was getting really cold again).  Since it was a long ride home everyone decided to forego an Onsen stop. It was a good race, a beautiful day, and a great group.

Utsunomiya Marathon