You can tell it’s nearly spring time in Tokyo.
Thousands of serious, and not so serious, marathon fans are preparing for the great spring 43 kilometer walk from Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo to Ome City on the fringes of the Chichibu National Park.

The annual event will celebrate its 82th anniversary this year.
In Japanese it’s called by the catchy name of “Kachi Aruki Taikai” – which literally translates as the “Win Walk Event.” More laid back participants refer to it simply as “Take It Easy Walking Marathon.”

While some groups enter the walk to test their stamina and aim to finish in as fast a time as possible, others simply enjoy the walk through the Tokyo suburbs and take in the sights along the way.

The organizers, the Youth Friendship Association of Japan, say the modest purpose of the “competition” is to 1) improve health and fitness, 2) toughen yourself psychologically, 3) overcome the experience of hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and 4) ultimately, challenge yourself.

Tokyo-Ome 43 Kilometer Walking Marathon Start in 2009

In a few words – gain more self discipline.

Whatever the reason an individual may choose for participating in the dash for 43 kilometer walking marathon fame, health buffs all over the Tokyo area will gather at the Mizu-no-Hiroba (Water Park) just behind the Tokyo City Hall on Sunday, 14 March, at 8 AM to launch themselves into the challenge, which starts at 8:30 AM

The key point is for the majority is – this is not a race! Organizers say it is an enjoyable chance to relax and walk with health-minded people, and that everyone wins by participating in this health focused “non-competitive” marathon.

The general goal is to finish the walk 43 kilometers away in Ome City on the outskirts of the Japanese capital by 6:30 PM, considered a generous amount of time for everyone to cross the goal line. Don't worry; there is a train that takes you and your tired feet back into the city.

If you walk at a speed of 5.5km/hr, it is estimated that you will arrive at the Ome finish line as early as 4:30PM.

Everyone who is generally healthy is welcome to participate. You don't need to worry about your time and what place you finish in this event. Just aim to complete the walk. Those who do reach the goal will receive a certificate of completion, and a bowl of hot miso soup.

Three "don'ts" of the walk are "don't drink, don't eat, don't rush." It is recommended that for the first 10 kilometers everyone simply walks with friends or for your own warm up. After that, walk at your own pace.

At the 15th and 31st kilometer check points, everyone gets a stamp to show that you made it that far. This is checked at the 43-kilometer finish line, where you then receive the certificate of completion, and you can then help yourself to the soup and drink that will be waiting for you.

For safety purposes, organizers will check the condition of participants and if you get two "yellow cards" you will be asked to stop. Also, for safety purposes, people along the course will stop "pushy" participants who thoughtlessly elbow their way through other walkers. Good social manners are a must.

A happy participant crosses the finish line in Ome.

Participants are asked to be aware of their own physical condition and stop if they think it is necessary at any time. Toilet facilities will be available along the length of the course during the walk.

Adult participation fee is 1,800 Yen, junior high school students and under is 1,000 Yen -- if you pay by giro before the event. Post office account number is 00130-4-75288. Pay to Youth Friendship Association of Japan.

The adult fee is 2,300 yen if you pay on the day of the event, and junior high school or under students is 1,500 yen. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent.

This healthy walking extravaganza is supported by The Nippon Foundation, whose chairman, Yohei Sasakawa, has cheerfully participated in a previous marathon.

See you at the finish line !!