One sunny autumn day, three friends and I ran ‘Christmas Charity Marathon’ at Nagai Park in Osaka.
Just before the race, the Governor of Osaka Pref. announced to request self-restraint for cross-border movement from another Prefecture.
However, as it was a fine day and one of the members were so tired of continuous self-restrictions, we decided to participate the race.
Of course, we were very cautious to avoid Three Cs (closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings) and had masks.
The race would be held by changing to smaller scale, we were informed by its homepage.
But we were amazed at the Park because there were so many running and walking people in the Park except for runners to participate the race.
Moreover, we saw many staffs and volunteers but no particular restriction to the road for the race.
I thought to have to be careful not to run against walkers because many elder people as well as small children were walking and playing each in their own way.
I recalled to have heard an accident that a rapid runner had hit an old lady who enjoyed walking in her own way during a race.
The race itself was a fun.
Each member ran 2 times and total 21.2 km, that was half marathon distance.
The first and 5th runner was a lady who ran her personal best records.
The second and 6th runner was busy businessman who sighed his lack of training.
He did heart breaking run and breathed heavily but smiled with satisfaction after completing his part of running.
The third and 7th runner was the fastest one.
He ran as if he was jumping and flying.
The fourth and the last runner was me.
I enjoyed running with feeling the cool autumn wind.
Our records for half marathon was 1 hour 50 minutes 59 seconds.
Not so good records for serious runner, but far better than we had expected before the race.
After the race, we went to the public bath near the Park and had early time small party before dinner time.
Nowadays, it is difficult for us to find an actual race running with friends.
I personally do not like on-line marathon so much. I prefer to have run with friends and other people.
I thank very much to my friends to introduce me to join the race and
had delicious meals after running.