Each Shonan International Marathon.
VOL.2 What the runners felt throughout the event.

The Shonan International Marathon has been one of the most popular marathons in Japan, and in 2022, the marathon will be held with runners carrying their own bottles, making it an opportunity for runners to become more environmentally conscious than just finishing the race in a time. What were the thoughts of the runners who entered the Shonan International Marathon, and what style did they use to run the marathon? We asked the runners on the day of the marathon what they thought of the marathon and what style they chose to run it.

Photo_Ayako Koike
Text_Issey Enomoto
Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

What was the aim of introducing "My Bottle"?

December 3, 2023 marked the day of the 18th Shonan International Marathon. The Shonan area, the stage of the marathon, was covered with pleasant blue skies from the morning, making it a perfect day for the marathon.

A major feature of the Shonan International Marathon is that runners must carry their own bottle. This is a new rule that was established in the last marathon held last December. No disposable cups are provided at the water stations, and runners must pour water into their own "My Bottle" or "My Cup.

The aim of the "My Bottle Must" is to reduce the amount of trash generated at the event. In the previous event, the world's first "My Bottle Marathon," the total amount of trash generated on the course and at the venue was reduced by 701 TP5T (approx. 8,000 kg) compared to the previous event. The event was the cleanest ever held.