Miyakojima 100K
The Miyakojima 100 Km Wide Marathon is one of the most challenging races in Okinawa. Although there are few spectators, support along the course is excellent and the comaraderie amongst the runners is inspiring. Food and water is provided every 2 1/2 kilometers, which also helps for pacing. Runners have the option of changing their clothes at both the 50K and 80K points. The race starts at 5:00 in the morning and continues until 8:00 p.m. Click on any of the photos below to start the slideshow.
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Here is the course map. Note that the largest hills start at the 60K point or so.

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Runners cross this bridge twice early in the race. This particular day was quite windy and cold.

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I changed my clothes at the 50K point. I felt strong up until the 60K point or so. After that, I went into "death march" mode.

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The long downhill at the end of the course helps everyone to run across the finsh line.

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Here's the proof that I finished. My final time was 10 hours 52 minutes and 43 seconds. The second half took me a full hour longer than the first half.