I
first read about Awaji Island, the birthplace of Japan, several years ago and
so was open to an opportunity to visit. When I saw that there was a road race
on the island I booked a place. Training has been going terribly over the last
few months, beset with chronic back pain and other distractions. So I saw this
race as a nice day out and a bit of fun rather than aiming for a good finishing
time.
The
course was mostly flat and I felt good throughout. It was a bit of a surprise
to run a decent race, finishing 4th man overall and 3rd
senior man in a time of 16 minutes 49 seconds and securing a place on the
Winners Podium. I have finished in the top three of several races but always
missed the prize giving ceremony due to not understanding how these events work
and the language barrier. I was determined not to miss it this time around. I
received a magnificent trophy, three types of Awaji Island produced salad
dressing, a certificate and a bag of onions – the agricultural product that the
island is best known for!
Other
highlights of the day include driving across Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and seeing
Izangi Jingu Shrine. Awaji Island is connected to the main island of Japan,
Honshu, by Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which at 2 miles in length is the longest
suspension bridge in the world. It was a bit of a thrill to drive across it to
and from the race venue, which was next to Izanagi Jingu Shrine - the oldest
shrine in Japan.
Legend
has it that Awaji was the first island of Japan, created by the gods Izanagi
and Izanami. They stirred the sea with a heavenly spear, and when they lifted
it, a droplet of salt water fell from the spear into the sea which created
Awaji Island. The gods then descended to live on the island, going on to create
the other islands of Japan before taking human form and living out their days
at the site of the shrine that is now dedicated to them. Many runners took the
chance to visit it after the race, making a relaxing end to a nice day out on
the island.
