I ran the Hiruzen Highland Marathon, one of the races on my schedule for this season. I remembered last year’s hills and expected to climb them again.

The starting area of the Hiruzen Highland Marathon
The starting area of the Hiruzen Highland Marathon

But the hills never came. This year’s course was mostly flat, and the views were better than last year’s. I looked toward Mount Shimohiruzen as I ran.

Looking toward Mount Shimohiruzen while running
Looking toward Mount Shimohiruzen while running

For the routes, here are my YAMAP records from last year and this year.

This year’s result

Last year’s official result was 51:04. This year I finished in about 50 minutes, a little faster. The flatter course probably helped, and I had enough room to enjoy the view while running.

After the run

The participant gifts were a daikon radish and Hiruzen Jersey milk. That is one big daikon.

The daikon and Hiruzen Jersey milk given to participants
The daikon and Hiruzen Jersey milk given to participants

After the race, I went to the hot spring at Kyukamura. Then I had jingisukan and Jersey beef at Wood Pao.

Jingisukan and Jersey beef at Wood Pao
Jingisukan and Jersey beef at Wood Pao

Hiruzen Jersey yogurt for dessert.

Hiruzen Jersey yogurt for dessert
Hiruzen Jersey yogurt for dessert

I still ended up getting soft serve ice cream at the Jersey Center.

Soft serve ice cream at the Jersey Center
Soft serve ice cream at the Jersey Center

Then I spotted a Basque fromage. If it says “fromage,” I buy it. Those are my orders from Karin-senpai, also known as Natsuki Karin.

Hiruzen Jersey Basque fromage
Hiruzen Jersey Basque fromage

I may have eaten a lot, but I ran 10 km, so I’ve earned my excuse.