【洞爺湖マラソンに密着】完走率93.7％の陰で無念の”強制リタイア”それでも笑顔で前を向く…未完走ランナーの声に耳を傾けてみた

A heartbreaking forced retirement!? We're curious about the runners who narrowly missed finishing! On May 17th, many runners gathered on the shores of Lake Toya. This was the "ANA Lake Toya Marathon," marking the start of Hokkaido's marathon season. A participating runner (resident of Toyako Town): "It feels like a major event in Toyako Town, and I think it's the event that attracts the most people. I took the day off so I could work tomorrow, but I couldn't." A participant from Saitama: "I'll do my best to finish the race. The part after 20km is unknown, so I wonder if my stamina will hold up, but it's cool, so I think it'll be okay." A participant from Nanae Town: "This person is running their first marathon today, I'm so nervous!" The Lake Toya Marathon is a popular race that circles the scenic lakeside. More than 4,000 runners of various levels, from those participating in their first full marathon to those aiming to improve their personal best, started the race. At 9:00 AM, the race finally began. In fact, each marathon has its own unique time limits. At the Lake Toya Marathon, the total time limit is 5 hours and 30 minutes, but for example, runners must pass the 30km mark within 4 hours, and the 40.2km mark (just before the finish line) within 5 hours and 15 minutes, otherwise they are automatically disqualified. Director Kohei Takahashi "Lake Toya is always on the runners' left side, and today you can also see Mount Yotei." The highest temperature that day was approximately 17 degrees Celsius. In the pleasant weather, many cheers were heard from the roadside. And then, approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes had passed since the start. The top runner crosses the finish line "Naoyuki Kami!" The top runner finished with a new course record of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 18 seconds. Runners continued to finish one after another. Meanwhile, at the 30km mark... Sea urchin miso and scallop soup! Aid Station Packed with Local Charm Director Yuka Sasaki "This is scallop soup, is this a new addition this year?" Food and drinks made with local ingredients were offered, allowing runners to take a break and refuel. Staff "This is Geo-Tamago (Geo Egg), keep going!" Runner "It's so delicious!" Approximately four hours after the start, buses to pick up runners who had dropped out were already waiting near the checkpoint. The time limit for the 30km checkpoint was rapidly approaching. Staff "10, 9... 3, 2, 1, and it's over!" At the 30km mark, time's up... Runner who retired at 30km "(So close!) Ah, unfortunately, I'll try again next time." Runner who retired at 30km "My legs started hurting, and I couldn't train as much as I wanted. I guess that's what I'm paying the price for." Runner who retired at 30km "The ups and downs were quite tough for me." Inside the bus that picked up the runners... Runner who retired "The scenery was really beautiful, I enjoyed it thoroughly, I definitely want to get revenge (He's still running!) He's still running, keep going!" The time limit is approaching! A heartbreaking time-out... The drama at the final checkpoint at 40.2km Just after 2 PM, the time limit was approaching at the checkpoint at the 40.2km mark, just before the finish line. Here too, the Kininaru Camera observes… Participant from Saitama "(You've passed the 5-minute checkpoint!) I'll do my best!" At this point, the runners, who had mustered all their strength and continued running, were facing the heartbreaking moment of time running out. Cheering person "30 seconds left! You can do it!" Staff "Run, run! Keep going! We're closing the gate!" With less than 2 kilometers to go, the runners were unable to pass the final checkpoint and their race came to an end. Runner who retired at 40.2km: "I'm disappointed. Third time's the charm today. I was here last year too (and the year before?). I was even further ahead the year before. (What about next year?) I'll participate again, I'll get my revenge." Runner who retired at 40.2km: "It's a shame. This is the first time I've failed to finish the Lake Toya Marathon. I'll try harder. I'll train hard again." Runner who retired at 40.2km: "If I hadn't cramped at 36km, I would have been running properly, but it can't be helped." Runner who retired at 40.2km: "So close! Just 2 minutes away. It was tough, but everyone cheered me on so much. It was my first time participating, and I enjoyed it." Was the 17-degree temperature a factor? What's the reason for the high completion rate of the Lake Toya Marathon? Keiichi Hori, Caster: "The 40km cutoff is frustrating! It's sad to see that tape when you're less than 2km from the finish line. What do you think, Tsuruoka-san?" HBC Baseball Commentator, Shinya Tsuruoka: I've never run a marathon, but I think there are definitely two types of runners: those who get motivated and think, "I didn't do well, but... I'll try harder next year," and those who get discouraged and think, "Ah, I guess I didn't make it." I...