A relatively new half marathon in Okinawa, the Kourijima Magic Hour Half Marathon is quite a bit more expensive than other half marathon races in the prefecture, but it really is quite a spectacular course with extra incentives, such as pre-race entertainment and a free after-party with delicious soba. It's also a unique race in that it starts at 4pm in the afternoon; the majority of runners are crossing the finish line as the sun is starting to set, hence the theme "Magic Hour."
I missed out on registering for this year's race but I did get a sneak peek of the course since I went along anyway and paced one of my friends from the 16k point to the finish line. I got to run over one of two bridges that line the course but I heard from friends who ran the entire race, that the other bridge, the Kouri bridge, provided some really beautiful ocean views.
Kourijima is in the northern part of Okinawa, a little past Nago, and it connects to the mainland via the Kouri bridge. While runners don't actually run on Kourijima itself (they run over the Kouri bridge from the mainland and turn back), they do run along some rural-type roads that make the course feel just as peaceful as if they were running on the smaller island.
The race starts in the village of Nakijin, home to the Nakijin castle ruins which, as a tourist site, offers visitors the opportunity to view the grand splendor of the castle walls, not to mention a magnificent view out over the East China sea. We didn't have time to do any sightseeing, but we did get to experience the wonderful hospitality of the locals who were out on the course as race officials and volunteers.
When we arrived at the event, the atmosphere was one of excitement and positive energy, despite the looming dark clouds and threat of a torrential downpour. Runners and family members claimed chunks of grass, pavement, and even small covered areas on the kids playground, and then got comfortable while they patiently waited for the line-up announcement.
About an hour before the race began, the vast majority of runners made their way over to a large grassy area where a stage had been set up for entertainment and announcements. To get everyone warmed up and ready for the run, a group fitness instructor began leading everyone through a series of easy dance-style aerobic moves. I've never seen anything like this before, but I thought it was a great way to unify everyone and also help to reduce pre-race nerves.
The call to begin lining up was announced forty minutes prior to the start time, and participants began to make their way to the start. While waiting, runners were treated to a performance by Japanese taiko drummers. I could not see the drummers from where I was standing but I appreciated that I could hear them, and I appreciated even more the motivation that they seemed to ignite amongst the runners.
Finally the all-clear was given and in one huge wave the runners began to slowly move forward. As a competitive runner, I must warn those of you who also like to compete, that if you've never done this race you would be better off to get to the front of the crowd as early as possible, even if it means more standing and waiting time. Since I wasn't a registered participant and only there to pace a friend during her last few miles, I stood at the back of the crowd and followed them out to the four mile mark. Even though I was in no hurry I quickly became frustrated at how slow-moving the pace was and how difficult it was to weave my way past those in front of me.
For those of you who are not quite up for the half marathon distance, there is also a 10k race that begins shortly after the half marathon. Considering how difficult the half marathon course is, with it's rolling hills and potentially strong headwinds crossing the bridges, the 10k might also be a better option for slower half marathoners.
The rain, humidity, and hills aside, the Kourijima half marathon is a truly beautiful course and one that myself and some of my running friends are endeavoring to do next year as more of a "fun group" run. I'm inclined to think that this is one of those races that might be better appreciated if I just ran it for fun - in other words, running slow enough to actually take in the beauty of my surroundings.
