The "Tour de Tohoku 2015" is held again this year. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Kennedy and others enjoy cycling along the Sanriku coast with 3,478 riders.

The third annual cycling fan ride event, " Tour de Tohoku 2015 " (hosted by Kahoku Shimpo and Yahoo!), was held on September 13th along the Sanriku coast of Miyagi Prefecture, spanning two cities and two towns (Ishinomaki City, Onagawa Town, Minamisanriku Town, Kesennuma City).　This year, alongside the established courses—"Onagawa/Ogatsu Fondo" (60 km), "Kitakami Fondo" (100 km), "Minamisanriku Fondo" (170 km), and the "Kesennuma One-Way Fondo" (95 km from Kesennuma to Ishinomaki) was newly introduced. With approximately 3,478 participants, this marked the largest-scale event to date. Furthermore, continuing from last year, the "Tour de Tohoku Para-Cycling Project supported by SUNTORY" was implemented to make the event more accessible to people with disabilities. With the cooperation of the Suntory Group and the Japan Para-Cycling Federation, 10 para-cyclists participated.

Riders awaiting the start signal at the Kesennuma venue

 

Numerous celebrities participated in the event, including Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Karen Michibata, public relations ambassador for the Tour de Tohoku. Ambassador Kennedy joined the newly established Kesennuma One-Way Fondo. Departing Kesennuma in the third group, she rode alongside approximately 400 other cyclists.

Karen Michibata participated in the newly established "Kesennuma One-Way Fondo" this year.

 

Additionally, Paralympian Mami Sato, affiliated with Suntory Holdings, served as the honorary starter. Appearing on stage alongside para-cyclists Masashi Ishii, Beijing Paralympic gold medalist, and Masaki Fujita, London Paralympic bronze medalist, both starting from Kesennuma, Sato stated: "I'm very happy that so many riders have come to my hometown of Kesennuma. This year, two Paralympians are starting from Kesennuma. Today, I hope we can all feel the power of sport together and spread a circle of smiles."

Local Paralympian Mami Sato, serving as the starter in Kesennuma, gave a speech on stage.

Paracyclists starting at the Ishinomaki venue

 

Approximately 3,000 participants set off from Ishinomaki Senshu University, the main venue for the event.
Starting at 5:30 AM, participants posed for commemorative photos at the starting line for the Kahoku Shimpo Special Edition, then began the race in groups of 30. Under clear skies, they pedaled off at their own pace, spurred on by the cheers of spectators who had gathered early to support them.

To ensure non-riders could also enjoy the event, various stage events and children's activities were held at Ishinomaki Senshu University. This year's Tour de Tohoku also focused on disaster area recovery through food, highlighting Tohoku cuisine sold at booths within the venue as "Tour de Tohoku: Food of Connection."

Hashimoto Yo, appointed as the Gourmet Ambassador, introduced Tohoku foods at the booths. On stage, alongside Public Relations Ambassador Michibata, he energized the crowd with a talk about Tohoku cuisine.

Karen Michibata and Foreign Deb Hashimoto Yo discussing the appeal of Tohoku cuisine on stage

Numerous food stalls lined the Ishinomaki venue, serving visitors the bounties of Tohoku

 

Along each course, local residents once again cheered on the participants. Waving flags and shouting encouragement at the top of their lungs, the locals were met with waves of appreciation from the cyclists.

At each aid station, local specialties like "tsumire soup" and "curry rice" made with regional ingredients were served. Participants savored these proud local dishes before pedaling onward to the next aid station.

The first rider (Onagawa-Ogatsu Fondo) crossed the finish line at Ishinomaki Senshu University at 10:12 AM. Riders from each fondo followed one after another. They received completion certificates and took commemorative photos. Ambassador Kennedy finished around 3:00 PM. After crossing the finish line, he received his completion certificate and a special edition newspaper, smiling and saying he wanted to participate again next year.

At the Ishinomaki venue finish line, riders crossed the line one after another

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Kennedy receiving his completion certificate and special edition newspaper after finishing

 

At the booth for Platinum Partner Suntory Holdings' "Suntory Tohoku Sun-san Project," a special edition of the Kahoku Shimpo newspaper featuring photos of riders at the start was distributed. Now in its third year, this special edition was also very popular with the riders. Riders who finished the race received the newspaper as a memento of their participation in the Tour de Tohoku, took commemorative photos, and reflected on the event.

After finishing, riders received the special edition newspaper featuring their own photos

 

The booth also offered "Paracycling Test Rides" as part of the Paracycling Project, allowing visitors to try out paracycling bicycles.
This event, created to help visitors feel closer to para-cycling, drew many attendees. Under the guidance of Japan Para-Cycling Federation staff, they tried out tandem bicycles and tricycles. Visitors enjoyed the experience, even while feeling a bit awkward with the unfamiliar controls of para-cycling bikes, which they rarely get to try.

Visitors test riding a tandem bicycle designed for visually impaired individuals

 

Other events included a cheerleading dance performance by local children and a stage show featuring comedians, both of which energized the venue. At the Ishinomaki venue, not only riders but also participants' families and local residents gathered, spending a pleasant time interacting with the athletes after their races.

Related Links
[Suntory Tohoku Sun-san Project]
http://www.suntory.co.jp/company/csr/support/