Walking lovers gather to enjoy their time in early spring air

Feb. 26, 2014

Walking lovers gather to enjoy their time in early spring air

The spring leisure season is just around the corner in many parts of Japan. People who are impatient for the arrival of spring move to play out on the field, sometimes braving chilly winds and snowfalls. This was the case with people of ancient Japan.

Snow falls on my sleeves as I am on the spring field picking up young greens for you.

(A personal translation)

This is a waka poem made by Emperor Kohkoh, a ninth century monarch who loved literature and the arts. The poem was included in the Kokinshu waka anthology. His reign was short as he ascended the throne at 55, but he left fine, impressive waka poems.

A park at the former castle site in the heart of Fukuoka, the biggest city in Kyushu, southwestern Japan, became the starting point of a 25-kilometer citizens’ walk rally in late February. The rally was joined by 850 people, far surpassing 700 persons as scheduled.

The oldest participant was 83 years old and the youngest was one year old. A blind person also took part in the event, organized by a local sports promotion group and supported by students and volunteers.

Participants covered the first leg of nine kilometers in groups, led by two staff members, for warming up. After finishing the first part through largely urban areas, they walked at their own pace in the rest of the course, which extends counterclockwise through a coastal area to an arm-like narrow peninsula encircling Hakata Bay right in front of Fukuoka, the prefectural capital city.
“A few participants have their caps blown away every year in windy areas. So, please be careful about it,” a supporter student said in a talk with participants before the start.

Participants were urged to finish the course by 5 p.m., in 7 hours and a half from the start. The fastest participants reached the goal at an elementary school on Shikanoshima Island on the tip of the peninsula in about five hours.

When the rally started, the temperature was 7 to 8 degrees centigrade (45 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature slightly climbed later, but cold winds blew to the faces of walkers. Participants had to pass three long bridges in wind-swept reclaimed land areas.

They received certificates from the staff at the goal after passing two check points. Special awards were also presented to participants aged 70 or older and those aged at eight or younger and handicapped children who walked the whole distance.

Citizens' walk rallies take place in various parts of Japan almost every week around this time of the year. A group of tough walking lovers were having a chat at the goal. "Which rally do you think will be convenient to us next week ?"