Are you coming out of hibernation and on the couch to 5K plan?
Preparing for a marathon?
Seeking new course records on Strava?
The Nagoya Smile Marathon Series
Live in Nagoya? Visiting Nagoya?
The Nagoya Smile Marathon is a monthly local running series for all levels of runners seeking an extra push to improve times or challenge new distances. With 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM courses measured out, runners can set realistic goals and gradually progress towards longer runs.
With just a couple hundred runners every time, you don’t have to stress out about long lines to use the bathroom or jostling around at the finish line! There’s always water available and everyone is there to support each other!
At Shonai Ryokuchi Park, the flat and scenic course is ideal for beginners and competitive runners alike. It will be a fast run – perfect for setting PBs. Take note however, that depending on the distance, you will be running almost 10 laps to complete your distance!
It’s not too late to get your 2018 off to a running start!
Sometimes, all we really need is a kick in the butt to set up benchmarks towards a goal!
Pro-tip: Consistency is key.
Venue
Shonai Ryokuchi Park
Shikichi 3527
Oaza-Kamiotai, Yamada-cho
Nishi-ku, Nagoya
Aichi 452-0818
名古屋市西区山田町大字上小田井字敷地3527
Access
By train
Alight at Shonai Ryokuchi Koen 庄内緑地公園 station on the Tsurumai Subway Line. Take exit 2 and walk south of the gate to reach the park.
By bus
Take the Nagoya City Bus and alight at Shonaibashi stop, then walk about 3 min.
Cut Off Times
Half Marathon (21KM)…3 hours
10KM…90 minutes
5KM…60 minutes
Good To Know
The course involves multiple laps around Shonai Ryokuchi Park.
Half Marathon…9 laps + 400m
10KM…4 laps + 800m
5KM…2 laps + 400m
Participant Entitlements
Original event goods
Samples
10-minute massage coupon
Free entry to running clinic
Learn more about Shonai Ryokuchi Park.
View the Nagoya Smile Marathon site (in Japanese).
We all have different goals and come from varying running histories. Some of us take it a little less seriously while others run 50 miles a week.
While we can’t reach out to every single individual that registers for events with Samurai Sports, we take every opportunity to try!
On a beautiful day on March 3rd, we sneaked in a few minutes with two runners from the 31st Nagoya Smile Marathon and learned their stories – read on!
Lina
How did you learn about the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
From friends.
Why the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
For various reasons, I was unable to secure a slot for the Nagoya City Marathon so I decided this could be a suitable alternative.
What did you enjoy about the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
Shonai Ryokuchi park is a great place to run with clean air and natural surroundings.
When and what is your next race or sports event?
I’m undecided right now, but I would love to participate in some tennis matches soon!
Raul
How did you learn about the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
I found the event on Sports Entry as it’s easy to search by various sports categories, but I registered through Samurai Sports since it was in English.
Why the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
It’s been a long time since I’ve ran an official running event and the Nagoya Smile Marathon provided a casual setting to ease back into running.
What did you enjoy about the Nagoya Smile Marathon?
It’s a smaller event but it was fun! I think next time, I’ll want to bring a towel with me. Originally, we were going to come with friends but they didn’t register in time.
When and what is your next race or sports event?
Tomorrow, actually! I will be running with the Nagoya Hash House Harriers. Yes, I’m a hasher!
