第23回 果樹王国ひがしねさくらんぼマラソン大会

The Higashine Sakuranbo Marathon takes place in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, known as the origin of the Sato Nishiki cherry and Japan's leading cherry producer. This road race offers 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon distances, allowing families, casual runners, and dedicated athletes to select a suitable option. The race begins and ends within the Jinmachi Garrison of the Ground Self-Defense Force, providing participants a unique opportunity to run on SDF grounds during the event. The course winds through Higashine's fruit orchards when the city is adorned with cherry blossoms, reflecting the race's strong connection to local identity. All participants are given Sato Nishiki cherries, Tsuyahime rice balls, and a custom event T-shirt. The event also features a rock-paper-scissors tournament with cherries as prizes, special awards for senior participants and those traveling from afar, unexpected awards, roadside support, and a digital finisher certificate. Following the race, participants are directed to Sakurambo Higashine Onsen to relax in a hot spring.