The executive committee of the "5th Michinoku Tsugaru Journey Run", an ultra marathon event held from July 17th to 19th in the Tsugaru area, is currently looking for runners.

The tournament will start in Hirosaki Park and return to Hirosaki City via Cape Ryuhi in 263 kilometers within 51 hours. About 200 people from all over Japan participate every year.

Makoto Tateyama, the representative director of NPO Sports Aid Japan (Saitama Prefecture), who is the sponsor, is from Hirosaki. After graduating from high school, he moved to Tokyo and now lives in Saitama. He said he started the marathon at the age of 40. “I was happy when I completed the race, and I was able to extend my distance. When I participated in the oldest 100km marathon in Japan, I was moved by the sense of unity with the organizers, staff, and locals. But I started to want to plan a marathon event," says Tateyama.

The NPO was established in 2003 and plans more than 30 marathon events nationwide. "We want to liven up the local area with a marathon," and came to hold the marathon event in 2016 (Heisei 28). Mr. Tateyama is confident that the course will convey the warmth of the locals and the scenery and charm of Tsugaru.

"Approximately 90% are runners from outside the prefecture. Among the participants who have participated in the past four times, there were people who became fans of Tsugaru and came to visit for sightseeing and read out the novel "Tsugaru" by Osamu Dazai." Tomo.

There are two types of courses: 263 km and 150 km. The maximum height difference is 503 meters. Since no guides are placed on the course, you also need the ability to read maps. "About half will retire," says Mr. Tateyama. Participation conditions include those over the age of 20 and those who have completed the Ultra Marathon.

Mr. Tateyama said, “Since last year, we have received support from Hirosaki City, and the movement of support has become active. Many runners are crying at the goal. If you can cheer for such runners on the day of the tournament,” he said.

Participation fee is 263 yen = 20,000 yen, 150 km = 15,500 yen. Application deadline is 17:00 on April 17th. Accept at the tournament official website.