Interview Relay

Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of “Connections Between People” Born Through the Tokyo Marathon

This time, we introduce a story of Era, who ran the Tokyo Marathon thanks to the kindness and support from volunteers and spectators when her shoe broke down during the race, and learned the power of “bonds.”

 Those Strangers Became My Team

 My connection story was formed at a moment I least expected.

During the Tokyo Marathon, one of my shoes broke mid-race. After months of training and traveling across the world to be there, I suddenly felt a wave of panic. For a few seconds, I thought my race was over.

But it wasn’t.

Volunteers and members of the public immediately stepped in. Strangers tried to help repair it. People clapped louder. Voices called out “Ganbatte!” with even more encouragement. Their kindness gave me strength I didn’t know I had.

In the end, I continued running, walking partly barefoot, in my socks and when my feet were too painful, in a partially repaired shoe. It wasn’t comfortable. It wasn’t planned. But it was one of the most powerful moments of the race.

In that vulnerable situation, I experienced the genuine spirit of the Tokyo Marathon: compassion, generosity, and human connection that transcends language and background. Those strangers became my team. Their encouragement carried me forward to the finish line.

The Tokyo Marathon didn’t just challenge my endurance; it showed me the extraordinary heart of Japan and its people. That moment of kindness will stay with me far longer than the medal I received.

We Don’t Achieve Things Alone

What changed me was not just finishing despite the setback, but the kindness that surrounded me.

Strangers chose to care. Volunteers rushed to help. Spectators encouraged me louder when they saw I was struggling. In that vulnerable moment, I realized that strength is not only about endurance, but it is also about connection.

That experience softened me in the best possible way. It reminded me that we do not achieve things alone. Even in a race that feels personal, we are carried by others by their words, their presence, their belief in us.

Since then, I have become more intentional about offering encouragement, whether to patients (I am a doctor), trainees (as an educator), colleagues, friends, or fellow runners. I understand more deeply how a small act, a word, a gesture can change someone’s entire experience.

Connection is What Turns a Race into Something Unforgettable

The biggest charm of the Tokyo Marathon is its heart. I experienced firsthand the kindness and encouragement of volunteers and spectators. Their support reminded me that this marathon is not just about performance; it is about community. What truly makes the Toyo Marathon special is the respect, warmth, and unity I feel along every kilometer.

That is why I would run it again if I get the opportunity, not just for the course, but for the people: lovely people and volunteers of the Tokyo Marathon.

Never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. A few words, a simple gesture, a moment of care, these things matter more than we realize.

The Tokyo Marathon reminded me that we may start as individuals, but we finish stronger because of one another. Connection is what turns a race into something unforgettable.