Running Tokyo

Last weekend saw the first Tokyo Marathon held here in Japan. As much as I would like to say I was a participant and offer a kilometer-by-kilometer description of the event, I cannot take credit for achieving this grand triumph. I can however say that the run seemed to have been a real accomplishment for athletes and organizers alike with glowing reviews from all involved. I’m sure we have just witnessed the beginning of what will ultimately become a Tokyo tradition….

This year was indeed the first ever city marathon in Tokyo at such a scale. In true Japan-style participants were selected via ‘lotto system’ in order to fairly decide who was able to join the 25,000 strong, starting line-up. The course, from Shinjuku to Odaiba, was designed so as to pass several sightseeing spots such as the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Asakusa.

This year the pressure was on. Not only was it the first such event to take place in this city, but it was also going to be scrutinized in light of Tokyo’s bid for the Olympic games. Indeed, this was a chance for the city to showcase its ability to host a large scale, sporting event. Having tens of thousands of people run across a city as populated as Tokyo is no small task and effective organization was going to be crucial.

Whilst I was nowhere near being in a position to actually consider entering the marathon, I did have several friends who were up to the challenge. I marveled as I watched their pre-event preparation which involved a healthy diet, refraining from alcohol, a strict exercise regime and sacrificing a number of things (parties, even ski season!) in order to remain faithful to their respective training programmes … all over the festive Christmas period no less.

Come race day, I seriously considered heading down to cheer my friends on…. until I saw the weather outside (heavy winds and rain) and quickly decided that given the weather conditions it may be more comfortable to stay on the couch, watching television coverage and thinking encouraging thoughts. Others, braver and more faithful than I made it down, and completed their own navigational course as such – catching trains from here to there in order to see friends at various marks around the run.

Whilst my mid-marathon support was not so admirable, I did catch up with everyone several hours after my friends had achieved fantastic finishes… at a local pub. The dramatic contrast between their weary bodies and their glowing smiling faces was testament to their experiences and accomplishments. It was fun to congratulate them and share in their glory. They complemented the organization of the event and were buzzing at their personal victories. They had survived not only an incredible physical endurance, but had done it in less than conducive weather conditions….

While I won’t be considering a marathon attempt any time soon, the 10km option may be something to aim for…. or perhaps I just work on my “Ganbare” chants and hope next year’s race day weather better supports my personal support efforts!