| 写真出典元： |
陸上自衛隊HP 山形県の公式観光・旅行情報サイト 山形県庁（広報広聴推進課県政広報係） （一社）東北観光推進機構 |
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Enjoy the Ultimate Fruit Experience Where You Can Fully Savor the King of Cherries, "Sato Nishiki"!
Higashine City is the birthplace of the king of cherries, "Sato Nishiki," and Japan's top producer of cherries. During the peak harvest season, the highest-quality cherries are served at aid stations and after the finish line, and the participant gifts include cherries (Sato Nishiki) along with other local specialties.
This rare event allows you to run through orchards filled with ruby-red, perfectly ripened cherries while enjoying them along the way!
Scenic and Runner-Friendly Loop Course on the Fruit Line
The course loops along the Fruit Line (a scenic road through cherry orchards). You'll enjoy continuous views of cherry orchards, perfectly befitting the "Fruit Kingdom" nickname.
The half marathon has a time limit of 2 hours 50 minutes, is relatively flat, and is suitable for beginners to intermediate runners. With a capacity of around 10,000 participants, it offers a lively yet warm, family-like atmosphere.
Olympic Gold Medalist Naoko Takahashi as Special Guest
This highly satisfying event has been continuously selected for the "Top 100 Running Races in Japan," and the star-studded guests add to its appeal.
This year, Sydney Olympic women's marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi and popular running coach Tetsuhiko Kin will appear to energize the event. You might even get the chance for high-fives and more!
A Rare Experience: Running Through a Japan Self-Defense Forces Base!
The start and finish are at Kamimachi Garrison (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force). This provides the unique opportunity to run inside a Japanese military facility.
Best Combined with an Overnight Stay! Perfect Match with Hot Springs, Gourmet Food, and Tohoku Sightseeing
Higashine Onsen is located near the venue, making post-race recovery in hot springs easy and convenient.
You can fully enjoy Yamagata Prefecture's attractions (Yonezawa beef, La France pears, imo-ni stew, Zao Onsen, etc.), with excellent access from Sendai City (about 1 hour by car or 1 hour and 30 minutes by rapid train).
From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours by Shinkansen or 1 hour by plane to reach Higashine City, the base for your Tohoku fruit adventure.
We highly recommend visiting this race as part of a 1-night/2-day (or longer) travel running trip!
