Interview Relay: 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon ~Connecting Hearts~

This time, we introduce a wonderful story from Mr. James Wylie who was reunited with a friend of 20 years thanks to the Tokyo Marathon.

The Tokyo Marathon reunified us after many years. 

――Out of the interview relay articles published now, which one resonated with you the most? At which kilometer mark was that runner featured?

 The interview that resonated with me the most was “Changed my life and my reason to persevere every day” by Yuna Nitta.

I was deeply moved by how Nitta-san, as a staff member of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, is dedicated to ensuring that every participant enjoys the race, achieves their goals, and stays safe throughout the event.

――What is the biggest appeal of the Tokyo Marathon, the point that makes you want to run it?

 The Tokyo Marathon’s concept, “The Day We Unite.” resonates very strongly with me and is a reason I want to participate in the Tokyo Marathon.

When I was young, my family home in the UK served as a homestay for international students. One year, a Japanese man stayed with us, and we built a truly special friendship. Learning about Japan from a young age sparked my curiosity about its culture and people. The following year, after he returned to Tokyo, his younger brother also came to stay with us, living in my hometown for a year to study English.

During that time, I learned so much about Japan, its natural beauty, and even picked up a little bit of the language. We kept in touch by email, and thanks to their influence, I decided to participate in the Tokyo Marathon through a charity. Over 20 years later, we reunited and shared a home-cooked meal the night before the race at their home in Tokyo, along with other old friends.

The Tokyo Marathon brought us back together after two decades, and that reunion with lifelong friends is one of the many reasons I wanted to run the race. I also hope to run again to see them once more. For me, this perfectly embodies the spirit of “The Tokyo Marathon brings us together.”

I can’t believe there’s a Japanese runner wearing a Brighton shirt!

――Please tell us about a Tokyo Marathon related episode or story that moved you.

 My hometown in the UK is Brighton. I’ve been a fan of Brighton & Hove Albion my whole life, following them from a small team on the verge of extinction and bankruptcy, to climbing the leagues to now compete in the Premier League. Brighton presently has a Japanese footballer playing for the team by the name of Karou Mitoma. He is a huge star in Japan. So much so that when I was running the Tokyo Marathon, I saw a Japanese runner wearing a Brighton Football shirt. When I was young, I never would have dreamt that Brighton shirts would be being worn by locals in Japan supporting the team. The theme again of “Unite” resonated with me here and I shouted “Seagulls!” (Brighton’s nickname) as I ran past him. He smiled, laughed and shouted it back at me. This helped me with a burst of energy, seeing my hometown team being supported. And I hope for him that he got a little motivation boost too. For that brief moment in passing, we were united.

――The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. To become the world’s best race, what are your expectations for the Tokyo Marathon, or what improvements would you like to see?

 I know many people from outside of Japan are extremely interested in visiting and learning about the culture, and seeing the city. Being able to run through the streets of Tokyo, cheered on by the crowds is a great feeling. For the 20th event in 2027, it would be great if the event could accommodate more participants, particularly from overseas, so the event can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, helping to grow interest in Japan, and making it one of the largest marathons in the world.

We challenge, receive support and unite together towards the same goal.

――What does the Tokyo Marathon mean to you? #MyTokyoMarathon is…?

 The ability to challenge ourselves, to be supported by friends and strangers alike, and to unite in pursuit of a shared goal—this is what the Tokyo Marathon represents to me. Many runners and spectators may not speak the same language, but during the marathon, I truly feel that we don’t need words to connect. Because we share the same goal through running, we understand one another on a deeper level. In that moment, the city and its people become one.

Interview Relay: 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon ~ Connecting Hearts~

This time, we introduce a wonderful story from Sushirino, a general entry participant who felt an unforgettable warmth of support at the Tokyo Marathon 2025.

Words from My Parents Moved Me More Than Breaking My Record

――Out of the interview relay articles published now, which one resonated with you the most? At which kilometer mark was that runner featured?

 A story from Mr. Eu at the 29km point.

――What is the biggest appeal of the Tokyo Marathon, the point that makes you want to run it?

 The festive atmosphere, the safety, and the charm of Tokyo itself.

――Please tell us about a Tokyo Marathon related episode or story that moved you.

 It’s about the “received support.”

I’m a 27-year-old company employee and runner. Last year (2024), I ran the Tokyo Marathon for the first time and finished in 4 hours and 24 minutes. I had never imagined running a full marathon before, but I became completely hooked on the appeal of running. This year (2025), I significantly improved my personal best and finished in 3 hours and 32 minutes.

However, what moved me the most at this year’s Tokyo Marathon wasn’t the record or the scenery, but the “support.”

My parents hadn’t been very interested in my running. Last year, they said “Good luck,” but they didn’t come to cheer me on. So, this year I wasn’t expecting anything in particular and thought, “I’ll just let them know when I finish.”

On race day, there were so many people along the course. I ran with all my might, hearing people call my name and giving high-fives. Then, in the later stages of the race, around Hibiya Park where it was toughest, I suddenly thought I heard a familiar voice shouting, “Rinoooo!” My tiredness made me think it was just in my head, so I pushed forward.

After the race, when I checked my phone, I had a message from my mother.

“We went to cheer you on, but couldn’t find you! You were really amazing! Congratulations!”

I was surprised, and I called her. My mother said, “There were so many people, I couldn’t find you, but watching everyone running so hard made me cry. You guys are running with such dedication.”

My parents, who aren’t used to cheering, probably didn’t even know where to wait. Even so, they searched for me in the crowd and cheered me on, imagining my run. That made me incredibly happy.

The joy of breaking my record after finishing was nothing compared to how moved I was by my parents’ words, “We went to cheer you on.”

My running might change in the future, but the warmth of the “received support” at this year’s Tokyo Marathon is something I will never forget.

Mom and Dad, thank you for coming to see me.

The Tokyo Marathon is a lump of love!

――The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. To become the world’s best race, what are your expectations for the Tokyo Marathon, or what improvements would you like to see?

 I love this race so much, and I wonder if there’s any other event as wonderful as this one! If only the congestion in the restrooms before the start could be eased a little!

――What does the Tokyo Marathon mean to you? #MyTokyoMarathon is…?

 A lump of love!

Interview Relay: 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon ~ Connecting Hearts~

This time, we introduce a wonderful story from Mr. YOONSIC YOO who proposed to his girlfriend after she crossed the finish line in the Tokyo Marathon 2025. 

The appealing points of the Tokyo Marathon discovered while cheering. 

――Out of the interview relay articles published now, which one resonated with you the most? At which kilometer mark was that runner featured?

 A story from Mr. Kamino Daichi at the 12 km point resonated with me. I am a runner from South Korea, and visited this year’s Tokyo Marathon 2025 to support my girlfriend who participated in the race. We are both really competitive runners, who are seeking to improve ourselves while running. While supporting my girlfriend in various spots of Tokyo, I found this race as an ideal course for runners. The atmosphere was amazing! It made me feel really wanting to participate in next year’s race. Mr. Daichi’s story has it all, I think. His effort to support runners who are willing to improve is simply amazing, and the reason he founded a running community is a great motivation. Also, I couldn’t agree more that Tokyo has the best course and organization among other Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM).

――What is the biggest appeal of the Tokyo Marathon, the point that makes you want to run it?

 The Tokyo Marathon has the best course and the outstanding organization, which is the reason I want to participate in next year’s race.

Personally, I am a Two Star Finisher (2023 Berlin, 2024 Chicago) and as I mentioned earlier, I came to Tokyo to support my girlfriend racing this year’s Tokyo Marathon. While moving from one spot to another, I found out some points that make this race appealing to runners.

1. Great Course

I haven’t run the Tokyo Marathon yet, but found it mostly flat and heard the first 5K is a downhill! It’s such a plus for runners who are aiming for their personal best!

2. Good Operation

I’ve seen a lot of volunteers who were working for the event and the organization was great. Both runners and pedestrians didn’t feel any inconvenience during the event, and it’s really a great factor.

3. Easy access

While moving from one spot to another, because most of the metro stations are near the course, it was easy to access, and I could move on time. I could meet my girlfriend at every spot I went during the race.

Let’s propose to my girlfriend at the finish area. 

――Please tell us about a Tokyo Marathon related episode or story that moved you.

From now on, I’m going to tell you my story about what happened in Tokyo this year.

Telling about me and my girlfriend, we met each other in the Berlin Marathon 2023, and our relationship started a month after that. Luckily, I participated in last year’s Chicago Marathon, but my girlfriend couldn’t. And this year, she won a ballot for the Tokyo Marathon and one idea came to my mind that I should propose to her at the finishing point of the Tokyo Marathon. I prepared everything secretly while she was preparing for the race. Finally, the race day came, and I supported her race at the 15 km and 30 km points and moved to Tokyo Station to meet her at the finish line. When I saw her after the finish line, I gave her a hug and showed her a box that I prepared. She was nervous because of this unexpected event, but soon said “Yes”.

Everyone around us cheered for us and for the accomplishments she had made and our marriage.

This year’s Tokyo Marathon was the event that I will never forget in my whole life.

Hard to believe a history of the Tokyo Marathon is still just 20 years. 

――The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. To become the world’s best race, what are your expectations for the Tokyo Marathon, or what improvements would you like to see?

 I can’t believe that the Tokyo Marathon has only about 20 years of history. I thought it had been held way before 2007.

In my opinion, hopefully, more participants will race in the Tokyo Marathon. What I would like to propose to the Tokyo Marathon organizers is to consider ways to allow more people to participate in this incredible event.

――What does the Tokyo Marathon mean to you? #MyTokyoMarathon is…?

 Tokyo Marathon 2025 became an unforgettable race where my love and passion came to fruition. I hope I’ll have the chance to run the Tokyo Marathon next year, carrying the incredible memories of 2025 with me.