World Marathon Voices A Global Perspective on the Tokyo Marathon TCS London Marathon Race Director Hugh Brasher

World Marathon Voices is a special edition of the Interview Relay project celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Tokyo Marathon 2027.

Through conversations with Race Directors and leaders from the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), this series shares global perspectives on the Tokyo Marathon—its unique character, its role within the world of marathon running, and the future envisioned by those shaping the sport.

In this edition, Hugh Brasher, Race Director of the TCS London Marathon, shares his thoughts on the values that define the Tokyo Marathon, the similarities and differences between the TCS London Marathon and the Tokyo Marathon, and the important role the Tokyo Marathon plays within the AbbottWMM series.

Q1 About the Tokyo Marathon’s Value

How do you perceive the Tokyo Marathon as a race?

I perceive the Tokyo Marathon is a race steeped in Japanese history and culture and a place where there is a true appreciation for marathon running.

What makes it unique compared to other major marathons?
Any specific impressions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Each Word Marathon Major has a unique feel to it, and Tokyo’s feel is one that perfectly embodies the culture of Japan – a culture that is respectful of the past but looking to the future, a culture of harmony and respect and one of understated excellence. 

Q2 Relationship with Your Race

What similarities and differences do you see between your race and the Tokyo Marathon?
What defines the uniqueness of each event from your perspective?

The biggest difference between the London Marathon and the Tokyo Marathon is the charity fundraising side of the London Marathon, which is a huge part of our event. Around 75% of the runners in the event will be raising‌ money for charity. In 2025, more than £87.3 million was raised for good causes by the runners taking part and the total raised since 1981 is a staggering £1.4 billion.

This often involves runners taking part in the marathon in fancy dress.

The biggest similarity between our events is how we bring communities and different people from around the world and from our own countries together. The feeling of harmony, togetherness and unity is unique in marathon running. The collective spirit of doing something hard and meaningful with a group of strangers who all have a similar goal is life-affirming and is needed in our society more than ever before.

Q3 Role in the Global Marathon Landscape

What role do you believe the Tokyo Marathon plays within the global marathon scene, including as part of AbbottWMM?

The Tokyo Marathon plays an enormous part in AbbottWMM. Not only in the obvious, as a representation of the Asian Continent, but possibly more importantly through its cultural values of respect, harmony and excellence. Values that align with the Tokyo Marathon and are needed within AbbottWMM.

Q4 Expectations for the Future

What are your expectations for the future development of the Tokyo Marathon?

First, it is not for me to expect the Tokyo Marathon to change. However, if there were areas, I think it might be in wave starts allowing more runners to take part and in relaxing the cut off time for the runners on the course. The more inclusive we can be and the more we can inspire people to run a marathon and look after their health the better our society will be.

What do you believe will be important in further enhancing its value?

This is a very difficult question to answer, as the race owner knows what is best, not an outsider.

My initial thought would be to increase the size of the event. With new start protocols (wave starts), it has allowed races to expand enormously from where they were. The demand for the Tokyo Marathon is enormous; therefore, tapping into that demand by increasing your event size, can only be a good thing.

Hear more about his thoughts on the Tokyo Marathon and expectations for its future.