第62回 北商ロードレース大会 2026

The Hokushō Road Race begins and ends at Himawari no Sato, or Sunflower Village, in Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido. This citizen road race, held in early autumn, winds through a Japanese rice-growing region. Current events include 10 km, 5 km, 3 km, and a 3 km parent-child race. The field is limited to about 300 runners in total, giving it the feel of a town event rather than a large city marathon. The course follows paved farm roads through rice fields, with minimal vehicle traffic aside from farm machinery. It features gentle inclines and declines, and six aid stations. The race originated in 1965 when Yoshio Komatsu of the Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry sought a marathon to provide young people with a goal. "Hokushō" derives from that original chamber name, a title retained even after the town sports association assumed organizational duties. Earlier iterations covered approximately 16 km through Hokuryu, Moseushi, and Chippubetsu, and later utilized National Route 275. The course eventually relocated to Sunflower Village and the surrounding rural areas for improved traffic safety. Prizes connect the race to local agriculture: top finishers receive Hokuryu rice, such as Yumepirika sunflower rice. All finishers are also awarded a T-shirt, a completion certificate, an onsen bathing ticket, and a sunflower melon. School divisions and the parent-child race participants receive book vouchers.