Connecting Uruma’s Katsuren Peninsula with the islands off the coast, the 4.75-kilometer Mid-Sea Road is a popular driving course

that features the blue ocean stretching out on either side of the bridge.

This is the 18^th year of the Ayahashi Mid-Sea Road Race, a marathon held here every year.

The race features three competitions: a half-marathon, and two “trim marathons” at lengths of 10 km and 3.8 km.

There is also a 5.9-km wheelchair section, helping to make the course very easy to run overall with participants ranging

from small children to the elderly.

Just before the application period to participate in the race, we had veteran runner Tomoko Miyazato,

who has participated in many Okinawa marathons, and futsal and running enthusiast Tatsuo Kikuchi try out the route.

The marathon starts at the Yonashiro General Park Athletic Field. After warming up,

the runners will cross the Mid-Sea Road and aim for Henza Island.

The marathon starts at the Yonashiro General Park Athletic Field. After warming up,

the runners will cross the Mid-Sea Road and aim for Henza Island.

Once on the islands, there is a continuous stretch of petroleum tanks and vividly colored murals painted on breakwaters.

Our two runners finally passed across the Henza Mid-Sea Bridge, a defining symbol of the Mid-Sea Road,

and completed the marathon without problems.

Our two runners finally passed across the Henza Mid-Sea Bridge, a defining symbol of the Mid-Sea Road,

and completed the marathon without problems.

“I normally travel these roads on bike or motorcycle, but when you run them on your own feet,

you really feel the wind and the sounds of the ocean,” Mr. Kikuchi said with a smile.

“I’d like to participate in the actual marathon, as well.”

Ms. Miyazato offered a word of advice: “The course doesn’t have many elevation changes,

so I’d recommend it to beginners as an easy race to participate in. Enjoy the views and the cheering as you run.”