I’ve always enjoyed the annual Brooks Summer Night Run – a 12-hour relay race, taking place on a weekend from 7pm to 7am.
Having taken part three times in the past, the organisers were familiar with my outfit and attitude, and this year asked me if I’d like to enter my own team for the 2016 event at Saitama Stadium – in the past I’ve taken part as a member of the Tsubayaki Chinsoudan team, who this year were not able to run as everyone was having babies.
I reached out to a few local friends, and soon enough we had a team. As well as the super-fit Only-in-Japan producer John Daub, PechaKucha team member Johnny rounded up a super group of runners, all of whom were in far better shape than I was!
It was a great night, and for the first time ever I found myself taking part in a team race in which we were actually aiming to get a good time! I loved the excitement and drama of it (checking the official times as soon as they were published every hour). In the end we came in 13th out of a field of about 75 teams – not bad! Great job team!
Whilst there I also came across S-Triple, an LED vest for runners. I was really impressed by the build quality, brightness and ease of use, but unfortunately had neglected to take any money with me. However, on seeing my enthusiasm for the product, the local Japanese distributor very kindly provided me with one to try out, and after a couple of weeks using it I must say it’s the most easy-to-use and yet discreet LED vest I’ve tried to date. Recommended! You can also create some interesting long-exposure photos with it!
Thanks to the event organizers and for everyone on the team for a happily memorable 12 hours!
