What is the charm of Kochi Ryoma Marathon seen by Liane Sezo-Leanne SY Szeto-[Receipt the previous day]

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2025 tournament was held on February 16, 2025 (Sun), and many citizen runners ran through the city of Kochi again this year. Therefore, we will introduce the appeal of the tournament seen by foreign runners while talking about Liane Sezo, a citizen runner representing Hong Kong, who won the 2024 Games Women's Section.

Foreign runners from 17 countries and regions in Kochi!

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon, which started in 2013, is a marathon event where you can experience the unique charm of Kochi Prefecture, such as rich nature and delicious food.

Recognition of the tournament increases with each other. The full marathon (42.195km) of the 2025 tournament received 10,555 entries for a capacity of 10,000 people, and 9,590 people ran on the day of the tournament.

In addition, a new foreign quota was set up for this tournament, and there were 84 foreign runners from 18 countries and regions, including Japan. This is the largest number ever, exceeding the 83 people in the 2023 Games, which was the largest ever.

Looking at this year's foreign runners by country and region, Taiwan was the most common this year. Next, there were many entries from China and Hong Kong. This tournament was attended by runners from various countries. In the future, it is expected that the event will become more and more international competitions.

By the way, in this tournament, a tour in cooperation with Taiwan's Star Travel Company was also planned for the first time.

Taiwan Star Travel Company
https://tour.startravel.com.tw/detail/00001-KCZ05K

Reception is multilingual and secure

This time, I would like to introduce Liane Sezo, who won the Women's Section in the 2024 Games. Liane works as a triathlon athlete and marathon athlete while working as an aviation engineer. He has participated in numerous tournaments as the representative of Hong Kong, and has achieved brilliant results.

Liane, who participated in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon for the second time following 2024. On February 15 (Saturday), the day before the tournament, I headed to Orient Electrification Central Park in the center of Kochi City with my husband Zero, who is also a coach. There is a desk for foreign runners here, so you can complete the reception procedure.

Desk for foreigners. It is available in English and Chinese, so it is safe. Those who have entered from overseas will complete the reception here and receive athlete bibs, runner's chips, participation prize T-shirts, etc. (If you are participating from Japan, they will be shipped in advance).

Enjoy Kochi's culture "Yosakoi Naruko Odori"

In the park, the day before the event is held every year. This year, wadaiko performances and Yosakoi Naruko dance were performed, and the venue was excited.

Liane and Zero enjoy the Yosakoi Naruko dance. Yosakoi Naruko Odori is a dance born in Kochi Prefecture. It is now popular in more than 30 countries around the world! One of the pleasures of visiting Kochi Prefecture is to be able to experience this unique culture.

There is also a commemorative photo shoot spot in the park!

Liane talks about the charm of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon

Mr. Liane and Mr. Zero who finished the reception. We talked again to the two of you who were preparing for the performance the next day.

The two participated in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon for the first time in 2024. What impression did you have last year? Do you have any favorite points?

Liane: "The Kochi Ryoma Marathon offers a variety of scenery. Even in Hong Kong, the Tokyo Marathon and Osaka Marathon are famous, but unlike competitions that run in such big cities, the Kochi Ryoma Marathon can run on seaside roads along the Pacific Ocean and in peaceful rice fields. I think that being exposed to the rich nature of Kochi is an attraction not found in urban competitions."

ZERO: "You can see the wide Pacific Ocean, and you like the seaside. This is a spectacular view that cannot be seen in Hong Kong. Then, in the first half of the course, a cheering squad of elementary school students sang songs. I was happy and encouraged by my favorite song “Mela!”.”

The day before the tournament, we both went to our favorite sea. A commemorative photo, Pashari.

The warm hospitality of the citizens' cheering squad and the roadside is also a feature of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon!

Liane: “Other events in Asia will start at 5am. So there is no solidarity along the road. Kochi is the same, and the Japanese tournament has a lot of support along the road, so you can get good results. Last year's Kochi Ryoma Marathon also had a very good atmosphere and we were able to run well! " 。

This year, you entered Kochi three days before the tournament. Did you enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food?

Liane: "I had a good run last year, so I went to Chikurin-ji Temple with the meaning of giving back. I want people from overseas to enjoy sightseeing in Kochi as we do. The food is also delicious in Kochi Prefecture. I like the squirrels."

ZERO: "I really like the relaxed environment in Kochi Prefecture that is not in the city. The sky is spreading, and there is a sense of openness and healing. And the people of Kochi are kind. Yesterday we ate out together, and the shopkeeper said, “I’m going to take part in the marathon! "It seemed to me that you were treated with a very warm service."

Please tell us your enthusiasm for tomorrow.

Liane: “Actually, I just went to the tournament last week, and I’m preparing for a big tournament next week. Tomorrow I want to enjoy running purely without aiming for rankings and records.”

Mr. Liane, Zero, please do your best! The event on the day of the tournament is introduced on this page.

What is the charm of Kochi Ryoma Marathon felt by Liane Sezo-Leanne SY Szeto-[Driven on the day]

Liane is also posting about his stay in Kochi on his SNS. Check out this too!
https://www.instagram.com/leanne_szeto/

Entry information

Finally, we will introduce foreign runners who are interested in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon.

Entry is possible from the following. Entry is possible from August 1 of the previous year.

※As of March 2025, the application page has been closed.

The tournament entry can also be made on the official website. Click the banner of "Entry" and apply from the "OVERSEAS ENTRY" item.
https://ryoma-marathon.jp/

You can see the details of the course map and the tournament below. Please refer to the information provided in English and Chinese.
https://ryoma-marathon.jp/entry_overseas/

Since the 2025 Games, the support system has been strengthened, such as English notation has been displayed at the rescue station on the course. We look forward to the entry of many foreign runners.