Interview Relay
Stories — Connected Through the Tokyo Marathon
Meeting the Love of My Life, A Dream Fulfilled as a Couple A Story of Connection with My Wife
Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of “Connections Between People” Born Through the Tokyo Marathon
This time, we introduce a story of Tokidoki Runner, who met his wife thanks to the Tokyo Marathon and eventually got to run the streets of Tokyo right by her side.
Dreaming of Running Together
It all started when a woman at work told me, “I’m going to run the Tokyo Marathon.” Back then, I wasn’t into running at all. To me, the marathon was just something you watched on TV—it felt like a totally different world. I remember being so surprised that someone I knew was actually doing it!
As we talked more about it, I got curious and went to cheer for her. Seeing the runners looking so bright and full of energy as they ran through the city was amazing. I was hooked instantly. The Tokyo Marathon became a big topic for us, brought us closer, and in 2010, we got married.
At first, I just went along to her races to help carry her bags, but little by little, I started running too. Eventually, I had a dream: “I want to run the Tokyo Marathon with my wife.” In 2024, that dream finally came true when we both won a spot in the lottery.
The cheers from other runners, the volunteers, and the people lining the streets, plus the amazing views of Tokyo… I felt an incredible rush, as if I were connected to everyone and everything around me. I was so excited to finally be a part of “The Day We Unite.” Crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with my wife is a memory I’ll never forget.
Life Changes with One Small Step
More than anything, finishing the 42 kilometers gave me a real boost of confidence. I figured, “If I can do this, I can pretty much handle anything!”
Running is still our favorite hobby. We’re busy entering races all over the place, but we’re already dreaming of our second Tokyo Marathon together. For me, the Tokyo Marathon is like an old friend I owe so much to. It connected me with my wife, introduced me to great friends, and made me a much more positive person. It really changed my life.
To anyone thinking about aiming for the Tokyo Marathon—The Most Exciting Race in the World— I just want to say: your life can change in a huge way, all starting from one small spark and that very first step.