On Friday and Saturday (February 19 and 20), the Kyoto Marathon 2016 Okoshiyasu Welcome Square will be open at the runner check-in point (Miyako Messe Kyoto International Exhibition Hall).

A wide range of booths, including those of Gold Partners Omron Corporation and Wacoal Corporation (the Kyoto Marathon’s official partners), extend a warm welcome to visitors. Purchase official merchandise only available at the venue, or pick up some of your favorite sporting goods. Try some food and beverages, including sake or matcha green tea-flavored ice cream (newly added to meet popular demand), from Kyoto’s time-honored shops at the Omotenashi Food Stands.

You can also see various events at the Event Stage, including last-minute tips for runners offered by Coach Yoshifumi Matsui (a Kyoto Marathon running advisor), a talk show by Cheering Ambassadors Kenji Moriwaki and Masako Chiba, and pre-performances by cheerleader groups.

The Okoshiyasu Welcome Square is open to all with no entry fee. We look forward to seeing you there!

• Click here to learn more about Okoshiyasu Welcome Square.