In Ansei 2 (1885), it is said that the then-feudal lord Katsusuke Itakura started marathons (excursions) among samurai to encourage scholarship and martial arts. Every May, participants dress up in various costumes and run two courses: the Tojo Course from Annaka Castle Ruins (Samurai Residences) to Kumano Shrine (28.97km), and the Sekisho Course from Relaxation Village to Sakamoto-juku (20.15km). Registration begins in early February each year and fills up within days, making it a very popular marathon.