Winner of the Oyama Afuri Adventure Race 2024!

Start and head to the cable car station. 1.5km (171m We made a mad dash for the upstairs. Everyone was fast. After checking D and B, we all ran up the stairs panting, bought round-trip tickets, and safely boarded the 9:20 cable car.

I put away my sword at A, prayed at the shrine, and by process of elimination I knew I didn't need to go to C, so I went back to the cable car. Maybe there was a special service! Just as I ran over to the cable car, the special service at 9:30 departed. I wondered whether to run down, but it didn't seem like it would make much difference, so I waited 10 minutes while enjoying the scenery to conserve my energy and boarded the cable car.

We changed to motorbikes and climbed the pass. By the time we reached CP2 we had overtaken three teams and were in the lead, but as soon as we reached CP2 and started pedaling we got a bit anxious as many teams came up from behind. At CP3 we went off the path and ended up on the ridge before, but we realized halfway through and changed motorbikes and made it. As we came into view of the dam just before CP4, Daz's motorbike got caught on a post and we fell over. Very close. We tried to get over the dam from the right bank, and although there were steps and a rope, the undergrowth was so bad we couldn't carry our motorbikes over... Just as we were at a loss as to what to do, we spotted a flag from a distance on top of the dam on the opposite bank. This was a relief as it made it easy to find the flag.

The trekking went smoothly and we had a tree crossing adventure at CP7. We were able to enjoy activities like crossing ropes on trees and ziplining during the race! (The race entry fee was 6,500 yen, but this alone was worth several thousand yen!?) While enjoying the race, we were concerned about the time difference with the team behind us. Behind us was a team that seemed to be really fast (Ono's team), and we were about 13 minutes behind them. After that, more and more teams came and the gap was smaller than we thought, so we got anxious.

After enjoying the long and high zip line, the final event was the famous Oyama spinning top. There was a 5 minute penalty for each person's mistake. The top had to be spun within a small ring. Each person was only allowed two attempts. Considering the gap with the people behind them, it was a battle where they couldn't afford to fail! Last year, Fukiko made a mistake and had a bitter experience.

First time. First up is Daz! Fail Next is Hiroki! Success! And Fukiko! A close miss!

2nd time. Hiroki! Final success Daz! Failed! Fukiko! Success!

He was given a 5 minute penalty and panicked. Did he feel responsible?! Daz was racing down the road at full speed! Fukiko was about to be left behind and kept up with him, panting.

CP8 is tangerine picking Although I was feeling anxious, I stuffed a lot of mandarin oranges into the net and ate them right there.

Fukiko thought she had recovered a little, but then she found herself facing a long flight of stairs leading to the shrine. Daz-san helped her with a double backpack, and somehow they managed to make it to CP9 without being caught up.

We got on our bikes and continued to climb. Daz pulled us and Hiroki continued to climb while keeping an eye on the terrain of the next route, and we arrived at CP10 at around 13:30.

We decided to start from A, which we had glimpsed earlier. The moment we entered the mountain, Fukiko's shins cramped. When she tried to stretch them, her soles and calves also cramped, and she couldn't move. Daz gave me a massage and I somehow managed to recover.

We climbed the long ridge leading to D, took B while running comfortably, and then rolled down to C. Just before C, we passed the team in second place. Maybe we've opened up a bit of a gap? But they're fast, so we can't let our guard down. Then just before CP11, we passed Shunpei, who was about to enter the mountain. This time, it was a different team, but as expected! It seemed to be progressing smoothly.

After about an hour, we finished the loge section, got back on our bikes and headed over the mountain. I thought it would be a tough climb, but it was a pleasant climb that allowed us to ride at a good pace. However, everyone was running out of water and food, and we were getting dehydrated, exhausted, and had cramps, so we were fighting on the edge, but we managed to keep a good pace and make it to the top.

After reaching CP12, I wandered around looking for a place to get off. A little further ahead, I saw a lot of pink markings and looked down, which looked like a road, so I started down from there. Before I knew it, I had come down to a place where I could see the cable car, so I carried my bike back. Feeling uneasy, I took the road I had just crossed and found CP13.

Finally, I carried my bike down Koma Sando for the third time today, then rode back on the road to the finish line, took the last CP and headed towards the finish line.

I made it to the finish line safely at 15:17! But there was a 5-minute penalty, so I waited anxiously for the 2nd place runner to come within 5 minutes, and was delighted to finally win the championship.

And since it was Hiroki's birthday, we surprised him with a cake and ate it with the kids who came to support him.

After that, we set up a booth and welcomed the team back in the dark. Thank you to everyone who bought something. It was great to see the reactions of the map stand and compass that were still in development. Setting up a booth was fun.

The final team to complete the course was the "Flying Omelette Therapist" who came in 7th place. The sponsored courage award included a shoe gaiter, map stand, and compass.

We then used the accommodation voucher that we won last year to enjoy a luxurious dinner at Oki Ryokan and indulged in a celebratory toast.

It was a fulfilling day as I was able to win my favorite tournament, which is always full of fun and innovative ideas.

Thank you to all the organising staff. I'm looking forward to next year!