Participation in Kyoto Marathon 2025
Shimadzu Runners Ran through the Places of Interest in Kyoto
Shimadzu runners participated in Kyoto Marathon 2025 (Takebishi Stadium Kyoto)
Kyoto Marathon 2025 was held on February 16, and 16,000 people ran through Kyoto City. Shimadzu again supported the event this year as a bronze sponsor, and in addition to exhibiting an event booth, many Shimadzu employees ran the marathon.
Distinctive Kyoto Route and Hospitality
With the encouragement of Buddhist priests, the Shimadzu runners effortlessly ran past
(at the Gate of Ninnaji Temple)
A feature of the Kyoto Marathon route is that the participants can enjoy the neighborhoods of Kyoto as they run. The sponsors, who want everyone to enjoy Kyoto, are clearly proud of the route, from which all five of the mountains that are lit up during the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire) are visible.
Some runners asked the supporters lining the runners’ route, which included Ninnaji Temple, Imamiya Shrine, and Heian Jingu Shrine at the end, to take their photos with their cameras. At “encouragement points” along the route, university clubs and organizations in Kyoto City shouted their encouragement while playing taiko drums and dancing. At the “aid” stations where the runners could rehydrate and replenish themselves with nutrients, sweets produced in Kyoto were also available.
Course map (left) and Shimadzu exhibition booth (right) set up in Okoshiyasu Hiroba (established in the Miyako Messe) where the runners came to register for participation
Using the Kyoto Marathon to Support Health Initiatives by Shimadzu Employees
Shimadzu supports participation in the Kyoto Marathon with the goal of promoting voluntary health initiatives by its employees. The Planning & Management Center of Employee Healthcare & Safety Workplace in the Human Resources Department established a secretariat, which supports employee runners with running form instructional training sessions, the provision of runner T-shirts, and support and photographs on the day of the event.
Employees shouting their encouragement to the runners at the “support booth” on the banks of the Kamogawa River
On the day of the event, the Shimadzu support booth was established under the Kamo Ohashi Bridge 30 km away from the start, where many of the runners could feel tired. Using a “support navi” app that allows users to track the position of each runner, we were able to spot and cheer for Shimadzu runners as they approached.
Some unexpected messages were also exchanged during the event. The marathon runners from the ordinary people were heard saying, “I use high-performance liquid chromatographs!” and “I loved Night of the Makaizo Society (the NHK TV program in which Shimadzu employees appeared)” to which the support group from Shimadzu replied, “Thanks for that!” and “Good luck!”
Impressions of the Marathon from Shimadzu Runners
Ryuzo Sato, Shimane Shimadzu
When I heard that I’d been approved as an authorized runner, I was pleased, but at the same time, I started preparing for the actual event by focusing all my energy on the task of training with an eye to the day of the marathon.
Because of the crowds, which I would only see at summer festivals back in Shimane Prefecture where I work, as well as my nervousness about being somewhere unfamiliar, I was quite off from my target time, but I am happy that I ran the entire marathon.
The runners never get tired of the support for the Kyoto Marathon, with supporters, Japanese drums, dancing, and apprentice geisha offering support all along the uninterrupted route. Thanks to the red “Shimadzu T-shirts,” enthusiastic shouts of encouragement for Shimadzu runners could be heard along the route, which really cheered me along.
Everyone at the Shimadzu secretariat and everyone from the Shimadzu Group who offered their encouragement was so friendly and approachable at the assembly point, which helped to soothe my frazzled nerves, and was really helpful. I am so grateful to everyone for their support. Thank you very much.
Emiko Shimbo, Shimadzu Corporation
Marathons are life!
At the site marking the latter half of the marathon, when I looked around my surroundings, it was apparent that some runners were feeling good, while others were now walking or had painful legs. Even they had likely been running enthusiastically until just moments before. In thinking about the part of the race prior to this point, which I couldn’t see, I got a real sense that each of the runners experienced a different 42.195 km race. The theme of the Kyoto Marathon 2025 was “Everyone Plays a Lead Role”...!I also had my share of difficult moments, but times of calmness arose surprisingly as I kept my legs going and continued the race.
I made reliable progress forward by putting one foot in front of the other. It might hurt right now, but that doesn't mean that things will continue that way. I had the sense that in future, I will rise to the challenge of whatever life hands me.
I exchanged information with everyone in the Shimadzu secretariat and all the authorized runners via chat, which gave me a sense of being a member despite not meeting face to face. I was really pleased to have the support from Shimadzu along the route at the point marking the last 10 km. For that moment only I increased my pace slightly. Vanity is also a part of life.
From the moment that I decided to participate in this my first marathon, I received words of encouragement from many people. I’m so happy that I was able to enjoy finishing the race. Thank you very much.
It was a delightful environment that provided encouragement for the challenge. I am looking forward to being a future Shimadzu runner as well!
Hayao Kozu, Shimadzu Corporation
(reached the finish line as the top Shimadzu runner)
Koji Yamamoto, Shimadzu Corporation
Left: Masafumi Tomita, Shimadzu Science West; Right: Toru Ezure, Shimadzu Corporation
Comments from the Secretariat
Starting from the call for Shimadzu Group runners, a variety of initiatives were implemented, including plans for runner training sessions for Shimadzu Group employees as a whole, to ensure the enthusiasm and interest of our employees in exercise through the Kyoto Marathon. With the cooperation of related departments, we participated in the marathon itself on February 16.
On the day of the marathon, which featured perfect weather for the event, we were greeted by the site of the runners in matching Shimadzu uniforms spurring each other on, as well as the employees supporting them and all the spectators lining the route, which emboldened those of us there to provide support. Amidst the diverse scenery and impressions, the most important thing was the great swell of emotion from the site of the runners running with unwavering focus.
I wish to extend my congratulations to all the runners. As a health management administrator, I will continue to strive to improve the physical and psychological health of our employees, aiming to create a workplace environment characterized by mutual encouragement and support.
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