Japan Road Corporation Supports the 28th Honjo Kodama Cherry Blossom Marathon

Japan Road Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has actively partnered with Honjo City in Saitama Prefecture as part of a comprehensive collaboration agreement signed in February 2026. This agreement aims to enhance community development, health promotion, and sports initiatives.

On April 5, 2026, the 28th Honjo Kodama Cherry Blossom Marathon took place, featuring a scenic route along the iconic cherry blossom trees. The marathon’s start point was at the KEI AI Stadium, where professional running coach and advisor Kin Tetsuhiko motivated nearly 1,000 participants, emphasizing the importance of hydration and the joy of running amidst the cherry blossoms. His encouraging words set a positive tone for the race, allowing runners to enjoy the beautiful surroundings as they took off.

The event attracted around 1,800 runners across multiple courses, including a 1.5 km jogging trail, a 10 km course along the Koyamagawa riverbank, and the main 21.0975 km Kodama Cherry Blossom course. The weather on the day was warm, with temperatures nearing 23°C, creating a vibrant summer atmosphere that added to the overall excitement of the event.

The collaboration agreement established between Japan Road and Honjo City in February 2026 aims to promote a wide range of sectors, such as urban development, health initiatives, sports promotion, and the well-being of youth. The participation of Kin Tetsuhiko in this marathon marks a significant first step in implementing this agreement, showcasing a practical commitment to fostering community engagement and enhancing public services.

Event Details

- Event Name: 28th Honjo Kodama Cherry Blossom Marathon
- Date: April 5, 2026
- Venue: Honjo General Park
- Organizer: Honjo City Sports Association
- Supervised by: Honjo Kodama Cherry Blossom Marathon Executive Committee & Honjo City Athletics Association
- Supported by: Honjo City, Honjo City Board of Education, Honjo Recreation Association, Honjo Sports Youth League
- Number of Entries: 1,828 participants

For more information, visit the official marathon website and stay updated about Honjo City's collaboration efforts and other exciting events.

Note: The details provided were accurate as of the release date and may differ from the latest information available.