Kyoto Marathon 2014 & Original Buff Giveaway

I spent 4 days in Kyoto, and 6 days in Tokyo.  It was so special, I think that I was overwhelmed, that I didn’t know where to start writing or describing everything I saw and felt.  I wrote so many blog posts in my mind, but somehow never actually put pen to paper.

The highlight of Kyoto was …. well everything … including running the 2014 Kyoto Marathon.

I was surprised to learn that the 2015 Kyoto Marathon took place this past weekend.  Where did the year go?  I still want to share my photos from the expo and marathon and giveaway the original Buff headwear from the marathon (that was given to runners instead of the traditional race t-shirt).   I should note that, at the Kyoto Marathon, unlike the Tokyo Marathon a week later, nearly all of the runners were from Japan and neighboring Asian countries.  There were no caravans of runners from American group tours.  It depends on what you prefer.  This was not a small marathon though – there were over 20,000 runners – and the method of entry was by lottery.

The expo:

many photo opps – many cute alerts

more photo opps

GPS Watches

write your messages on these trinkets

my driver Tsubo (yes, the amazing Hyatt Regency Kyoto hired a driver to take me to the expo on this snowy day!) enjoyed the expo as much as I did. Here, he’s giving me an alcohol-free beer he grabbed as a sample.

more cute!

this was an energy gel product made from red beans. I was hesitant to try it, but they gave it out during the marathon, and I loved it. If I could find it in the US, I would buy it.

Marathon day was a rather cold and damp, but thankfully, did not rain or snow.  The start was at a stadium.  There were actually two fields, and people lined up by corral by the letter they were assigned.

I was surprised at the line for the porta-potties – there was an express line for men – the catch is there was no door!  Full view. HELLO!

I did not take many photos as there was a strict six hour limit based on gun time, not chip time.  It was a wonderful experience –  along the course we were treated to views of seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and many other tourist attractions including spectacular views of Kyoto’s scenery.

http://www.kyoto-marathon.com/en/courses/ the 2015 course was primarily the same as the 2014 course

I really loved running by the shrines and temples. I think my favorite part was this Buddhist Temple and the many monks standing on the steps loudly cheering and chanting!  It was amazing.

Kyoto is such a special city.  It was such a treat to run there!

OK everyone, time to take another photo!

At the finish, we were given towels.

I met up with some fellow Marathon Maniacs.

BUFF giveaway!!!

In place of the traditional t-shirt, the runners of the 2014 Kyoto Marathon each received a custom designed Original Buff.  This is the brand that makes that awesome headgear you see on Survivor! I happen to love Buffs – I have a ton – the designs are awesome and they are versatile and fun to wear.  This one is no exception and I’m giving one away!

To win:

1.  Leave a comment below: say where  you’re going on your next trip

2.  Post on Twitter that @Katruns26point2 is giving away an original buff on this blog, and include a link to this post

3.  Like the Facebook page of WillRunForMiles.

You may enter once daily.  The contest will end on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 9 p.m., and the winner will be chosen at random and announced soon after.  United States entrants only.

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Update: the winner of the Buff is Miche!

There were 5 entrants, and using random.org #3 won!

True Random Number  Result:3 Powered by RANDOM.ORG