SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP sponsors the “Setoda Lemon Marathon” as a “Green Partner” to promote carbon offsetting. Twelve members of the running club participated in the half marathon | Club Activity Report

Hello. I am Mian Fujimura, the captain of the SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Running Club.

In February 2026, the 4th “Setoda Lemon Marathon 2026” was held in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

I have participated since the inaugural event in 2023, and this was my fourth visit to Setoda. It is one of my favorite races and one that I am personally very attached to. This year, a new sponsorship category called “Green Partner” was established, further strengthening initiatives to reduce environmental impact.

This was something we couldn’t ignore! Driven by my personal passion and the feeling that “I love this race too much,” I got the company involved, and SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP joined as a Green Partner.

At the root of this event is a very simple and straightforward sentiment.

We want more people to know about the beauty of Setoda.
An event started with such a sentiment must not become one that places a burden on the nature of Setoda.

One of the symbolic initiatives of that sentiment is the “Green Partner” program introduced this time.

This is a system that promotes carbon offsetting for the entire event by utilizing “J-Blue Credits®” issued through the Blue Carbon project promoted by Onomichi City. By having corporations participate, it not only reduces the environmental impact associated with event operations but also leads to the conservation of the local environment, such as the regeneration of seaweed beds and the restoration of marine ecosystems.

In other words, a cycle of “running → supporting → enriching the sea → being able to run here again” is functioning effectively within this event.

“Running” is connected to the future of the natural environment.I feel that being involved in this system, where you can truly experience that connection, is very meaningful both as a PR company and as an individual runner.

Twelve members of the SUNNY SIDE UP Running Club participated in the half marathon (21.0975 km). It was a 3-day, 2-night “Marathon x Tourism” trip where we enjoyed not only the race but also the charms of Onomichi and Setoda. Here is our report!

What are SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s “Club Activities”?

The “Club Activity Support” program is one of the unique employee benefits included in SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s “32 Benefits.” With the goal of promoting communication among members and enhancing group synergy, it supports the establishment and continuation of club activities that match members’ various hobbies and interests, regardless of whether they are outdoor or indoor activities.

However, as PR professionals, our mission extends to information dissemination. As demonstrated in this article, members of each club activity freely share their activities on SUNNY DAYS, our group’s owned media platform.

The Day Before the Race (Onomichi Trip)

The stage for this trip was Onomichi, a town full of character facing the Seto Inland Sea.

Members of the SUNNY SIDE UP Running Club gathered one after another, and even before the race, the atmosphere felt like a school field trip.

First, we all took a nap while looking out at the Seto Inland Sea. Whether it was conditioning before the race or simply because we were tired from our daily work, it was a truly luxurious time.

In the evening, we held a kick-off meeting with natural wine in hand. Although the members usually busy themselves with their respective projects, on this day, they forgot about work and enjoyed the night before as runners. Spending time talking about expectations for the race is one of the best parts of a marathon trip.

Race Day (Onomichi Trip)

We traveled to Ikuchijima, where the “Setoda Lemon Marathon” venue is located, by ferry from Onomichi Port.

It takes about 40 minutes to reach Setoda Port. The time spent heading there while taking in the clear morning air and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea is a charm unique to this event.

Upon arriving at the venue, everyone made it safely to the starting line. The race finally began as we ran through the Shiomachi Shopping District, which retains its traditional atmosphere.

Right after the start, there was plenty of support along the roadside.

From children to parents and grandparents, there was a warmth as if the entire island was welcoming us. It made me realize from a PR perspective as well, “This is what it means to have an event that involves the local community.”

And the greatest attraction of this event is the aid stations.

Several types of citrus fruits harvested in the Seto region were lined up to greet the runners. It was less like a supply station and more like a citrus tasting event.

There was even mandarin orange juice at the water stations.
To reduce environmental impact, the Setoda Lemon Marathon requires participants to carry their own bottles or cups.
While impressed by the environmental initiatives, the members’ interest seemed to be focused on “When is the next mandarin juice coming?”

The course is a scenic route that runs along the Seto Inland Sea, which sparkles as it reflects the sunlight, and passes through lemon groves heavy with fruit.

Running while looking out at the Shimanami Kaido was truly pleasant, and while I was captivated by the scenery, I realized I was already in the final sprint.

Then, the members of the running club finished one after another.

The moment of aiming for the finish tape while surrounded by cheers is special no matter how many times you experience it. I felt once again that the appeal of a marathon lies not just in the time, but in this sense of accomplishment.

The result was—

Everyone finished safely!

After the race, we went to a hot spring.

The moment we soaked in the hot spring, a collective “Ahhh” escaped our lips. We might have been more in sync then than during the race.

Some members looked completely exhausted (laughs).

In the evening, we had a wrap-up party with lemon hot pot.

The gentle flavor soaked into our post-race bodies, making for the perfect conclusion where we could enjoy the fact that “Setoda means lemons” until the very end.

The Day After the Race (Onomichi Trip)

The next day, we all went sightseeing in Onomichi.

However, the price of the previous day’s half marathon was high, and everyone was walking like robots. Sighs escaped every time we saw stairs.

Still, we enjoyed Onomichi by visiting tea shops and restaurants we had always wanted to go to, and an observatory with a panoramic view of the Shimanami Kaido. While battling muscle pain, we were healed by delicious food and beautiful scenery, making it a memorable trip.

Once again, I felt that a marathon is not just about running, but also about “tourism”—enjoying the culture and meeting the people of the land.

Where should we go next? Such discussions have already begun.