Ran a Marathon with a "Goddess" by My Side Until the Very Last Second  Netizens: A Marathon with an Emotional Twist

▲ Former women's marathon world record holder Naoko Takahashi cheers on runners from the middle of the road, a truly moving sight. (Photo provided by Jianghu Running Club, the same below)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Many running enthusiasts who love road racing not only sign up for marathons in Taiwan but also travel abroad to participate in various events. This allows them to enjoy the thrill of running overseas, take the opportunity to travel, and, more importantly, experience the local culture. Taiwanese veteran runner Jiang Yanliang recently shared his touching encounter with a "legendary runner" while participating in a marathon in Tokushima, Japan.

Having run marathons in 13 countries and completed nearly 100 marathons in total,Jiang Yanliangshared a photo of a female runner after completing the Tokushima Marathon, writing: "This lady shouted encouragement from the stage for 40 minutes at the start of the Tokushima Marathon to hype up the runners, then moved to the 34K mark, stood in the middle of the road to high-five the runners, then went to the 41K point to do the same, and finally, just before the finish line, ran alongside a runner who couldn’t continue at the 7-hour cutoff time until they crossed the finish line together. Their finishing time was 6:59:XX. She is the gold medalist in the women’s marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the former women’s marathon world recordholder:Naoko Takahashi."

▲ Naoko Takahashi cheers on the runners from the stage.

Though just a few simple words, they reveal the effort Naoko Takahashi puts into promoting marathons. Many netizens left comments such as "divine cheerleading," "this scene is so touching," and "so emotional."

"The first moment I saw Naoko Takahashi, I was shocked, but afterward, it was pure emotion." Regarding Takahashi’s appearance, Jiang Yanliang felt it was a joy of being recognized. Because many people believe there is a clear distinction between world-class elite athletes and ordinary runners, but Takahashi was able to cheer him on and give him high-fives, representing an interaction where "all runners are friends," and allowing one to feel her deep passion for the sport of marathon running.

▲ Even before the 7-hour cutoff time, Naoko Takahashi stayed with the runners until the very last moment. (Photo provided by netizen Simon Liu)

Aside from having encouragement from a former world record holder, Jiang Yanliang mentioned that compared to running marathons in Taiwan, many countries put the entire city’s effort into organizing large-scale marathon events, fully embracing their role as hosts and creating a city-wide carnival for runners. The Tokushima Marathon not only had well-planned routes and restroom facilities but also featured lively and colorful cheering squads such as the Awa Odori dance groups, monster groups, and flight attendant teams, along with pleasant weather and surroundings. "After running a full marathon here, what more could you ask for?"

▲ "Monster-level runners" and cheer squads encountered along the route.

During this trip to the Tokushima Marathon, in addition to completing the 42-kilometer full marathon, Jiang Yanliang and his group also arranged sightseeing spots such as Kinpusenji Temple, Ritsurin Garden, and Naruto Whirlpools. For travelers interested in combining "running and travel" overseas,Jiang Yanliang suggested paying attention to details such as accommodation, transportation, and schedule planning.

"If the hotel is too far from the marathon venue, it means you have to get up very early to commute, which can be tough!" With this consideration in mind, Jiang Yanliang recommends choosing accommodations as close to the venue as possible. If the starting line and finish line are in different locations, the choice of where to stay also needs careful thought.

Additionally, for those with less running experience, it is advised to plan a "run first, sightsee later" itinerary to avoid sore legs on the day of the race; seasoned runners can adjust their plans based on personal stamina. Transportation between various attractions and accommodations should also be planned in advance to ensure a pleasant overseas marathon travel experience.