Last weekend, I went to the "LAKE BIWA 100," a one-way 100-mile race originating from the Kansai region. This was the first ever race. The course director was Kaoru Niwa, a proud Japanese trail runner who has achieved excellent results in races around the world.

She is the RD (race director) and also runs herself (as does her husband), making her a key player in livening up the 100-mile race.

This time, I was asked by milestone ambassador Ryo Doi to provide support and photography. When I heard about the offer, my first instincts were, 1) What can I do as someone with no experience in support? 2) I was worried that I would end up doing both support and photography half-heartedly. However, after several meetings with Doi, I received a schedule that clearly stated the estimated arrival time and what items would be needed at each aid station, and I also had an IBUKI to track with GPS, so I was able to estimate the approximate arrival time and so I accepted the offer.

Doi led the leading group from the beginning of the race, hurrying ahead with a light step.

Iino was following closely behind.

By the way, my role this time was 70% supporter and 30% photographer. However, when Doi arrived, I couldn't help but take pictures. However, I made sure to prepare anything that was needed before taking photos, because my main role was to support.

The image of supporting Doi is like a pit stop in an F1 race. The time spent at each aid station throughout the race is quite short, about 3 to 5 minutes. We want him to spend his limited time comfortably and start for his next destination refreshed.

My role was to 1) communicate the distance and time difference between me and the runners behind me, 2) prepare ice-cold Coca-Cola (500ml) which is essential at each aid station, and 3) refill the tea and dispose of the gel and snack waste. This was my routine at each aid station. *Photo provided by Asuka no Shokuhin Tsegi

After setting off, I always say, "Good luck! See you at the next aid station!"

Although she must have been exhausted from running without sleep, she responded to the cheers of those around her with a smile.

While providing support, I asked him what he needed for the next aid station. He seemed to like salted rice balls. His body probably couldn't handle any extra ingredients. Just in case, I had prepared rice balls with inari and pickled plums, but he didn't take them.

What do they like? What do they need in this situation? They try to read the other person's mind without them having to say it.

He said that the second half was "very tough!" and you could see that on his face.

At the final aid station, I was told, "When you reach the final road section, please tell me the distance between you and the runners behind you!" Seeing that I was directionally challenged, Mr. Shuto from INNERFACT drove me to the point. Soon after, Doi appeared and told me, "Iino, who is in second place, is 500m behind you! Hurry up!" *This is how it was displayed on IBUKI.

Doi's tired body finally switched on and he headed towards the finish line at a considerable speed over the 4km road section.

Crossing the footbridge for the final sprint! *The official video cameraman is behind us.

Finally, with 100m remaining, smiles began to form.

He rounded the final curve and finished in first place, a truly magnificent feat. His final fist pump was very impressive. Congratulations!

1st place. Overall winner. Time: 27:28:11″ Photo: Tseggi

Hero interview. Various media representatives were interviewing him.

That smile. It's the best, isn't it? Fast and strong. It really made me realize what an amazing player he is.

Finally, a memorable photo. I got a good shot (lol). I will continue to work hard as a manufacturer and a runner so that I can be contacted again.