We sponsored the “Water City Osaka 100km Ultramarathon” again this year [ESG]
Act One Yamaiichi sponsored the 15th Water City Osaka 100km Ultramarathon, held on April 21 of this year, and our equipment was used during the event.
Our company has been a sponsor of this event, which supports the health and vitality of the local community, since its inception about 10 years ago. We not only provide equipment but also offer support ranging from setup to takedown.
In addition, new employees who began their careers this past April participated in this event as part of their training.
For them, it was an excellent opportunity to understand business workflows and experience firsthand how to use equipment on-site, and they gained valuable learning experiences amid sweat and smiles.
As part of its ongoing ESG initiatives, Act One Yamaiichi will continue to actively participate in community activities—including the “Water City Osaka 100km Ultramarathon”—and contribute to the local community.
■About the "Water City Osaka 100km Ultramarathon" (Interview)
The “Ultra Marathon” is a long-distance race covering 100 km (or 70 km) that starts and finishes at Osaka Castle. This year marked the 15th edition of the event, with approximately 700 participants and a completion rate of 85%.
The first event was held in 2009. At the time, ultramarathons were becoming increasingly popular, but there were no such events in Osaka, so this race was launched with the aim of providing “a race that participants could take on without having to take time off work due to the distance.”
A key feature of this event is that the staff and volunteers are almost all active runners themselves, and they run the event with creativity and ingenuity to empathize with participants from a runner’s perspective.
In running the event, they have overcome many challenges over the years, but they say that in 2020 in particular—when they had to cancel the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic—they realized that it was actually harder to cancel the event than it was to hold it.
Although there are many burdens involved each time—such as the increased administrative procedures required for a long course—the organizers say they want to continue holding the event because they value the feedback from many participants who say, “This is my favorite race.”
Although it may not be flashy, his words about wanting this to be an event that understands the needs of the participating runners and is built by everyone together left a strong impression on me.
● The two people we interviewed this time: Fumie Sada (left) and Akira Uemoto (right )
Mr. Sada is an ultra-runner himself. He has led the event as the chair of the organizing committee since its second edition.
In addition, Mr. Uemoto has consistently supported Mr. Sada as the vice chair of the organizing committee.
“Ultra-marathons are not just ‘competitions’ but a ‘culture for adults’ in that they celebrate even slow runners.” (Mr. Sada)
“Ultra-marathons are one of my annual traditions. I want to stay healthy so I can welcome runners at the finish line again next year.” (Mr. Uemoto)
Act One Yamaiichi would like to continue sponsoring the tournament in the hope of its continued growth.