Today was the Nerima Kobushi Half Marathon. This neighborhood "fun run" helps people welcome spring with a nice bit of exercise under the magnolia blossoms (the kobushi magnolia is native to Japan). This year the runners were also encouraged by the presence of the cherry blossoms (they are a bit early this year).
Since we are still a bit jet lagged, we were all up. So, we headed over to Hikarigaoka Park before 8 am to cheer on the runners as they began the race. As with most sporting events, I immediately got swept up in the crowd and began cheering the approximately 5,000 participants.
There were several people dressed up in costumes, which made the event even more fun. My son loved calling out "Gambate Bannanas!!!" and "Gambate Winnie the Pooh!" as they ran past us.
We traveled from place to place to cheer people along as the different races were run - half marathon, junior high kids 1 mile, and elementary kids with parents 1 mile. Finally, we stood near the finish line to cheer people as they reached the end of their morning jaunt.
Although we all enjoyed cheering and being part of the crowd, the best part of the morning was being together in the park.
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