We started the day with another short run.  On the way, we saw this sign that tells people not to let their dogs poop on the ground.  I'm not sure what other options they have, but Japanese people seem to be very obedient.

We toured the race course and took some pictures while we were out there.  Here is the race poster and a bridge where the half and full marathons separate.  There is also a photo of us in front of a Buddhist shrine.  Sometime this morning, Adrienne got thinking about doing the half marathon and once she brought it up, everybody talked her into it.  So, she will be a half marathoner tomorrow.  I feel nervous about her doing it more than myself.  At least we'll see each other at some point since it's an out-and-back course.

The next pictures are at the lunch we had at ski resort with the rest of the delegation and 15 students from St George that won a writing contest to come on the trip.  The Japanese students in front will be coming to St George in January to visit the schools there.  We got a photo with the mayor of Ibigawa.  He was the mayor when we did this trip last time.  He is very friendly and happy.

After lunch, we went to the Iwama's parents house to pick persimmons.  They are a hard kind and were very good.  The had the persimmon flavor, but a texture more like an apple.

 While touring the marathon course, I took photos of some signs that are already out.  The course is lined with these signs of encouragement.  The city is so excited for the race every year.  This year, there are about 6000 marathoners and 3000 half marathoners.