The papers have been covering a recent development near the Imperial Palace. The 5km route around the palace is popular with runners and joggers and many go around in groups. One count on a weekday in October between 6pm and 9pm logged 4,500 runners going past. Recently, police and Chiyoda ward official have been fielding complaints from ordinary pedestrians that runners are beginning to hog the pathway. They say that the groups seem to expect people to keep out of their way when it ought to be the runners who should watch where they go. As reports of minor collisions began to rise, the authorities sided with the strollers and have now posted signs around the grounds reminding runners that the route is not a designated track so they should steer clear of pedestrians. The have also distributed leaflets to running clubs and put up posters at some of the running stations which have popped up along the route.
Source: Yomiuri
