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On July 9 a group of about 300 seasoned multisport enthusiasts and first-timers gathered on the southern
edge of Etajima at Katsuragahama in the small fishing town of Kurahashi for the first Kurahashi
Aqauthon. The race consisted of a 3 lap 1500m swim, followed by an out and back 11km run
along the coast road.
This race replaces the Swim/Run race held on Kamagari Island until last year. Officially, due to
worries about the traffic congestion it would cause after the completion of a new bridge linking the
island to the mainland, but rumours abound of organizing committee and volunteer burnout. Most of these
races are held in small country places which, gets you out of the city and into some beautiful spots,
but their success depends largely upon the enthusiasm of the local population. This was something that this race had
in bucketloads. It seemed like the whole community was out and involved in the event.
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The setting was beautiful. A long white sand beach and clean blue sea. A huge stone torii gate,
set among the trees, provided plenty of shade and served as a picturesque finish line to the race.
The weather too, was as good as you can hope for in early July. Of course it was hot, but a refreshing sea breeze
kept it fresh.
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The program of events started with a Shinto ceremony below the torii gate to ensure the
success of the race, and provide some good photo opportunities. Then it was onto the races.
Arms were marked with numbers, bodies were greased up and wetsuits wrestled on. A wetsuit isn't the
most comfortable of attire when the mercury is rising so most people tried to stay in the water,
dodging the more than occassional jellyfish hanging around, trying to keep cool. Luckily, the jellyfish
were in a good mood and despite being jostled, kicked and swam over- no one complained of being stung.
After a ten minute wait behind the start line we were off! A big group of people all heading for the
same spot usually means there's a fair bit of bumping and pushing. In the fray, someone grabbed my leg
and catapulted themselves over me as we rounded the first turn buoy, but I'm sure I gave as good as I
got. All in all, it was a pretty clean swim. Running parallel to and only about 20m from the beach in
calm clear water, made the swim course ideal for those trying this kind of event for the first time
or those who get easily freaked out in open water (ie me!).
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Exiting the water, gasping for breath, the next feat was possibly the most challenging part of an
aquathon - getting out of the wetsuit!
Then it was shoes on and out onto the run.
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The scenic run course probably wouldn't provide too
many problems on a normal day. But having swam for anywhere between 25 and 45 minutes, this wasn't a
normal day. Each of the 3 rolling hills on the out and back course took their toll. The local population was out in
force, staffing the drink stations and cheering everyone for who ran by, shouting "GAMBATTE" and "FIGHTO." Being
their first time, the middle-aged women at the aid stations weren't quite used to handing out drinks to bronzed, muscular men
hurtling at them, in what to the uninitiated unaware of the latest latex triathlon racewear,look like little more
than bikinis (this description, of course doesn't include me who, a pale, hairy stick-man was probably a far more
disconcerting sight!). The sight of the torii back on the beach was a welcome one.
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Newly weds, Tetsuro and Yuka Fukumoto took first place for men and women in the main race. Tetsuro Fukumoto proved once
again that he is by far the strongest short course multisport racer in Hiroshima and this performance bodes well for
the National Olympic Distance Triathlon Champs at the end of July.
First time multi-sport racer, Helen Kemp, did the race as part of her preparation for her first triathlon
on Sagishima (near Mihara) at the end of August.
"I felt pretty good on the swim despite the congestion and losing my way a bit,
and was surprised that I could swim the 1500m without really feeling tired. Back on land was a
different story however, and a painful stitch had me for the first 2 or 3 kms. Not being a big fan
of running I found 10kms pretty hard-going and was overtaken by lots of people who came out of the
water behind me. But I was pleased to finish and at least know how much work I have to do over the
next few weeks!
Overall the course was good I thought, the sea was clear and clean (apart from the dreaded jellyfish) and
there were some nice views on the run. I'd definitely do it again next year and hope to better my time!"
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As well as the main race, there was a shorter race for teenagers and a kids' race.
There were more than a few people looking on enviously at the beautiful swim stroke of the little girl
who lead her heat from start to finish and beat everyone (even the boys).
After hanging out at the beach, to cheer in the back markers and the kids, we all moved into the
public hall over the street for the awards ceremony, some snacks, and lots of cold beer.
These events aren't easy to put on - there's a myriad of red tape to cut through and a huge number
of volunteers needed. The organizers did a great job in putting on this fantastic event for all
skill levels and ages. I have a feeling that most of those who took part and many more will return
to this Kurahashi race next year. So get in the pool and get ready!
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