The ''Kyoto Marathon 2024'' was held in Kyoto City on February 18, 2024, with approximately 16,000 people running. Citizens and volunteers along the route cheered the runners on. In addition to the ''High Touch Zone,'' which was revived for the first time in five years, where people join hands to cheer, monks, geishas, and maikos also cheered on the participants, providing passionate support.
Two high-touch zones were set up along the Katsura River after the 5km mark of the course (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City) and near the Kitaoji Bridge (Kitao Ward, Kyoto City) just before the 30km mark. Many citizens gathered along the Katsura River, and the crowd was so lively that the cheering gloves they had prepared quickly ran out. Citizens encouraged the runners to run as hard as they could by encouraging them to do their best and giving them high-fives.
Kyoto-style cheering was also held along the course. Just over 10 kilometers away, in front of the World Heritage Site Ninnaji Temple (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City), a large number of monks lined up to encourage runners. A special stage was set up at the Kyoto Botanical Garden (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) in the middle of the course, and geisha and maiko from Gion Kobu performed on shamisen and other instruments. Some runners spontaneously stopped to take photos with the geisha and maiko.
Runners who crossed the finish line expressed their gratitude for their support. A 40-year-old office worker who completed the Kyoto Marathon on his first attempt said, ''So many people approached me, and I naturally felt a sense of ''thank you,'' which gave me strength during a difficult time.It was fun.'' He smiled.
