Started our day by running on some hilly terrain. Some were excited...
.... and some were challanged by it.
There were many motorcycles going up the hill also. It is a Sunday and the area is a short drive from Tokyo and the road travels a beautiful area along a gently winding road so who can blame them? If I was a motorcyclist I’d be here too.
We made some new friends.
Eventually we made our way to Hakone. An area famous for the Ekiden museum.
On our arrival, we were greeted by Ms. Katsumata, the Deputy Director of the museum.
She gave a good introduction of the history of Ekiden and its museum. Ekiden was started by Shiso Kanakuri who was one of the world's elite marathon runners at the time. He competed at the 1912 Stockholm Summer Games as one of Japan's first-ever Olympic athletes. Unfortunately he couldn’t finish the marathon, he was very disheartened and vowed to create Hakone Ekiden to strengthen Japanese runners. They actually wanted to train to run across USA however the race and training took on its own life. Ekiden has become very famous. The 101st edition was completed in January 2025. The runners are world class and many go on to represent Japans national team and even compete in Olympics.
The banners photographed at the museum are from this years winners. Aoeima University won overall (the green banner). We visited Hakone Ekiden museum. It was amazing for us as runners, viewing the history of one of the countries and worlds most inspiring running events and learning more about it. 5 runners take it in turns running a sash up the mountain and the next day another team of 5 run it down . Universities qualify and the top twenty compete in the ultimate event held January 2nd and 3rd annually. It is broadcast live and the whole country unites in its love for the event.
She gave us a guided tour afterwards.
A quick run pass through a nearby tourist place.
Even animals cheers for Peace Runners.
Very hungry we went to a delicious vegan restaurant. Vegan Aomugi in Kanagawa is a hidden gem with souvenirs and health foods. Classic Japanese setting and very peaceful. Clean food in a sanctuary so nice you will automatically speak softly. Delicious!
After lunch, the women team visited Odawara Castle and the adjacent Shinto shrine.
Prior to entering the shrine, Hitomi teaches how to purify our hands and mouths.
Going through a tunnel overflowing with wooden sticks on which people have written their hearts’ prayers and wishes.
The boys team was caught red handed at a nearby cafe, before our next ceremony.
We went to an event hosted by Sagereishi Student Guides led by sensei Haruta in the seaside town of Oiso.
They decorated the function room. The word peace run was done with tiny cranes, very cute.
Children are taught English and spoke so bravely and well to us introducing themselves and saying their age and likes.
These are some of the words from one of the young leaders on their history and activities.
“Hello, everyone, all the international runners and Peace Run Japan! Welcome to Oiso! I am Amane Uchida, from the Sagareishi Student Guide Volunteers. We'd like to give you a big warm welcome to our town! Oiso is famous for its beautiful seaside and relaxing pine tree scenery. Did you enjoy the run and the peaceful atmosphere of Oiso? The long journey, running all the way from Kyoto to carry the message of peace is an amazing effort, and we deeply respect your dedication. We are very grateful to you all for this wonderful opportunity to connect with you. Let me briefly introduce our group. We started by giving English guided tours at Miki Sawada Memorial Museum here in Oiso to help exchange students from our sister cities to understand Oiso better. The museum is also called Hidden Christian Museum. It may feel strongly religious, but Ms. Miki Sawada built it with the hope that young people would sense the importance of faith and the preciousness of life During the COVID-19 pandemic, we started hosting an annual photo exhibition of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura' s humanitarian work for 35 years in Afghanistan. This year, we' re holding the exhibition on November 30th. Two years ago, we also began reading poetry written by children affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Through these activities, we try to support disaster survivors and raise awareness of moving toward a future without nuclear power. Run spirit together "Peace begins with me!" (One more time!) Today, we are very excited to be here with all of you. Now, let's say the Peace. Thank you.”
We also learnt about Miki Sawada, a humanitarian who looked after abandoned children and helped install the sense of service in the group. She is on the 5000 yen note.
The children played a quiz game asking and teaching us about aobato. A white bellied green pigeon that migrates here and drinks the sea water for minerals.
We played our country guessing game with them.
We went out to a nearby park to run give chance to hold the Peace Torch with kids and do more fun activities.
We had a lovely interaction with the kids and parents.
They even gave us cookies afterwards, lovingly shaped in outline of the bird.
