Race Report: Sendai International Half Marathon 2025 - 仙台国際ハーフマラソン

Sendai International Half Marathon 2025

Race Day: Sunday, May 11, 2025

Location: Athlete Park Sendai, Sendai, Japan

Distance: 21.0975 km (Half Marathon)

Participants: Over 10,000

Weather: Sunny, 13°C–17°C, ideal running conditions

Pre-Race Morning

I skipped breakfast at the hotel, knowing I'd likely overeat and choose the wrong foods. Instead, I relied on oatmeal bars from home and grabbed some onigiris from the train station. On my way there, I began noticing other runners, and by the time I reached the train, it was clear I was part of a much larger event than anticipated. Just two short stops later, we were all heading towards Athlete Park Sendai.

A large number of helpers efficiently guided runners in the right direction, though simply following the growing crowd was easy enough. Arriving at the park, it became clear why international participants had a separate area; it simplified communication, allowing us to easily ask questions in English.

Pre-Race Atmosphere

With some extra time, I wandered between Athlete Park Sendai and the nearby Rakuten Eagles Baseball Stadium, soaking in the pre-run excitement and atmosphere. Perhaps a warm-up might have been more beneficial, especially since many other runners around me were doing so. But I felt that my starting pen was so far in the back and there were so many runners, that the first km can and will server as a warm-up, too.

When it was time to head to the starting pens, I realized just how many runners were participating: over 10,000. My pen was positioned far toward the back, reinforcing my mindset that today was about finishing rather than speed. Loudspeakers broadcasted race announcements, all in Japanese, creating an unusual pre-start atmosphere for me. Then, rather than a loud, energetic countdown, the minutes leading up to the start became increasingly quiet. The band stopped playing, spectators fell silent, and runners stood still, all waiting quietly, focusing inwards on the challenge ahead of us. Brief announcements counting down the time broke the silence: "3 minutes", "2 minutes", "1 minute", "30 seconds", "10 seconds", "on your mark" and then a simple clap marked the start. Instantly, cheers erupted as we began moving forward.

The Race

Initially, the crowd was too dense to run comfortably, prompting me to walk briskly instead. The course quickly led us eastward over a bridge, crossing train tracks. The sight ahead was impressive: four lanes filled with colorful runners, some heading out, others already returning toward town.

Spectators lined nearly the entire course, passionately shouting encouragement such as "Ganbatte!" and "Fight-o!" Despite initial skepticism after viewing the route on Google Streetview with its images taken during winter time, the actual course proved surprisingly beautiful, particularly the scenic midpoint along Jozenji-dori Avenue, with its grand Zelkova trees providing a refreshing, green canopy overhead. Though I may have been biased, too. It was my first time in Japan after all.

After 13 kilometers, fatigue set in, marking the transition from enjoyment to endurance. Around the 15-kilometer mark, the course cruelly brought us near the finish line only to continue further with another out-and-back stretch. This section, slightly uphill, proved mentally challenging, being so close yet still far from done. At this point, I realized my hotel was actually closer than the finish line, tempting my exhausted mind to head straight for a hot bath. Observing checkpoint staff preparing to close the route for slower runners added pressure. Apparently, my calculations regarding pace and timing were slightly off.

Approaching the stadium with the finishline again, crowds thickened, energizing my final stretch. Though exhaustion had significantly set in, and my vision narrowed into a tunnel focused solely on finishing, street markers counting down remaining distances provided crucial motivation. Entering Athlete Park Sendai for the final 300 meters on the track, the finish line finally came into view.

Crossing the Finish Line

I completed the run with mere only some minutes to spare to the official end. Instead of a medal, finishers received a commemorative towel—a practical yet memorable keepsake. 

Post-Race Reflection

The organization was superb. First responders patrolled the course on bicycles, and the numerous volunteers ensured smooth logistics. Afterward, the train back to Sendai Central Station was packed, reminding me of images of Tokyo’s rush-hour trains, and I hoped us sweaty runners were not overly noticeable to the regular passengers squished in with us.

At the hotel, a hot bath was greatly appreciated, though my stomach protested the day's exertion. Comfort food from McDonald's echoed my post-run tradition from previous events. A calming evening stroll helped unwind, too.

Final Thoughts

My first half marathon in Japan was memorable not just for its physical challenge but also for the cultural experiences. The quiet yet charged atmosphere at the start, supportive crowds, and unexpectedly scenic route through Sendai combined to create an unforgettable experience and I can see myself already coming back for another run.