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

Liane Sezo, a citizen runner representing Hong Kong, participated in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2025 held on February 16, 2025 (Sunday). Introducing the charm of the tournament felt by Liane who ran 42.195km with a lot of smiles.

Interview with enthusiasm for the production just before the start

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon is an early spring marathon event where about 10,000 citizen runners run 42.195km in Kochi City, Nankoku City, and Tosa City in Kochi Prefecture. On February 16, 2025 (Sun), many runners gathered again this year at the starting point in the center of Kochi City.

Liane Sezo, who participated for the second time following the 2024 tournament. He is a talented person who won the women's section last year.

How is today's condition?

Liane: "I'm very lucky that the rain has stopped! It's cloudy, it's not too cold, it's not too hot, and it's easy to run."

What's your pleasure today?

Liane: "Today I want to run slowly and enjoy the tournament. Last year I was focused on running, so I didn’t eat any aides. This year, I want to enjoy Aid and the scenery around me!” 。

A lot of runners gather, and the city of Kochi is exciting. How do you feel about this atmosphere?

Liane: “Japan has a lot of marathons, right? Japan's marathon culture is also famous in Hong Kong. I'm happy to be able to run with Japanese runners."

At 9:00 on time, Mr. Liane started with a smile along with his coach Zero.

Support the people along the road! Volunteers support runners

You have a light run, Mr. Liane. We arrive at 15km point in about 1 hour and 10 minutes from the start.

There are 15 water stations (aid stations) on the course. 8 of them also have sports drinks.

In addition, 11 locations offer bananas, bread, yuzu drinks, etc. Volunteer staff prepares from the morning to support the runners.

There are a total of 20 rescue stations from the starting point to the finish venue. It's safe to have a lot of medical staff on standby.

Many local residents, from small children to elderly people, support them along the road. "Hold on!" He cheered "Fito!" And pushed the back of the runner.

In addition to the general public, seven roadside cheering squads support runners along the course of Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2025! Local children and local volunteers practiced hard for this day, such as brass band performances and Yosakoi performances, and excited the tournament.

Smile and run fast! Voices after the goal are also delivered

Liane carved in about 4 minutes and 45 seconds per kilometer. For Liane, it was a pretty slow pace!

With a smile, I will run along the seaside route of superb view points.

Go to Haruno Athletics Stadium, the goal venue. On the climbing slope in front of the stadium, there are a lot of people on both sides. The appearance of supporting "Naruko" used for Yosakoi dance is unique to Kochi. Citizen cheering is pushing Liane's back, who puts the last spurt.

Goal with Zero, holding hands together! Congratulations on completing the race!

Receive the tournament original sports towel at the runner area and go to the water station. The staff is waiting for you to remove the runner's chips attached to the shoes. 

When you hand the chip to the staff, you will receive a certificate of completion and a wooden finish medal in the shape of "Naruko". 

Mr. Liane, Mr. Zero, thank you very much! 

Go to the runner service area after finishing. You will receive a special yuzu juice "Gokun Majimura" from Kochi Prefecture and a snack "Shio Kenpo" made of potatoes. "I'm glad you got a lot of souvenirs!" says Liane. 

Great satisfaction with scenery, support and local gourmet

After the break, we asked Mr. Liane again about his impressions today.

Did you enjoy running today?

Liane: "I was able to run while watching the beautiful natural scenery. Then there was someone who knew me in the race last year, and from the roadside, “Liane! “He called me and supported me! I was very happy."

Have you ever felt about the meeting again?

Liane: “Anyway, the support is great! I was surprised by the number of supporters. The fact that there are few difficulties is also a feature of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon. It is a flat course from the starting point to the middle and easy to run. I ran slowly today, but the climate was very good, so if I really ran, I think I could aim for the first place (laughs).

ZERO: “We really planned to run slower!” 。

How was the aid station on the way?

Liane: "I felt that the water station was enough and the operation was solid. I think it's a tournament where you can run with peace of mind. This time he had bread. In addition, there are many other things unique to Kochi, such as yuzu juice and rice, so you can enjoy it!" 。

Mr. Zero: "There are various shops outside the goal venue, so it is a tournament where families can come and enjoy. I thought that there was a child who supported my father, a Yosakoi dancer excited the venue, and the atmosphere like a festival was good. "

Liane: “In other Asian competitions, it’s over when you finish! It's almost like that. I hope you can relax after the finish.”

Immediately after the race, Liane's situation was reported to the Hong Kong web media.

Liane: “I am surprised! As is the case with Hong Kong media, I myself wanted to share more about the appeal of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon. I think it's a tournament that should be run well and spread more overseas."

Aoyama Gakuin University track and field club also participates in the tournament!

I was able to run with Japanese citizen runners and students from Aoyama Gakuin University. How was it?

Liane: Actually, I'm a fan of Aoyama Gakuin University! Every year, I see "Hakone Ekiden" in Japan and receive power. The Kochi Ryoma Marathon is attended by students from Aoyama Gakuin University every year. This year, I heard that you worked as a pace runner for the first time in Japan. I was very happy to run with you.”

Finally, please tell us what you felt about the charm of Kochi Prefecture.

Liane: "The scenery is very good and the food is delicious. Those who want to participate in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon should not only run but also pay attention to the scenery around them."

ZERO-san "The attraction of Kochi Prefecture is that there are historical spots such as Kochi Castle as well as food. I knew about Japanese castles in manga, so I was glad to see them in fact. I want many people to enjoy marathons and sightseeing in Kochi.”

Mr. Liane, Mr. Zero, thank you. And foreign runners living abroad, please visit Kochi Prefecture and participate in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon. I'm waiting for you!