World Marathon Voices A Global Perspective on the Tokyo Marathon The TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director　Wayne Larden

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, Wayne Larden, Race Director of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, shares his thoughts on the values that define the Tokyo Marathon, the similarities and differences between the TCS Sydney 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 believe that the spirit of the marathon lives strongly in Japan and very much permeates the entire population. There are a huge number of marathon events that take place in Japan in which a huge proportion of the population takes part in these, from young novice runners to older citizens who are motivated and inspired by the marathon.

The elite category of runners in Japan is also huge and probably has as much depth as most of the African nations. The respect that society places on the marathon is inspiring. And at the very top of the huge Japanese marathon market is the Tokyo Marathon, the pinnacle of races amongst some very fine events.

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

The event is delivered with such operational precision that everyone knows that every aspect of the event will be perfect. This is great for the marathon running community as there is no anxiety about any element of the event. And this allows runners to relax and enjoy their Tokyo Marathon experience.

The event attracts huge crowds and takes place in one of the most exciting and spectacular cities in the world, Tokyo! Tokyo of course is on the bucket list of most travellers and certainly almost all marathon runners.

Japan itself is also a beautiful country blessed with exciting and fun cities, food like nowhere in the world and a warm and friendly culture. Overall, the Tokyo Marathon is a very attractive event to take part in.

Q2 Relationship with Your Race

What similarities and differences do you see between your race and the Tokyo Marathon?

The TCS Sydney Marathon is quite different to the Tokyo Marathon in a lot of ways but similar in others. Tokyo is a flat, fast course, whereas Sydney is an undulating and varied course with natural beauty and city experiences.

What defines the uniqueness of each event from your perspective?

Our beautiful Sydney Harbour foreshore section, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and our Sydney Opera House finish line are all key features and attractions of The TCS Sydney Marathon.

Tokyo is a city-based course with great spectator support also, this adds to the positive experience of running the Tokyo Marathon.

What is similar about both events is the amazing (but different) experience that runners have whilst visiting the city, country and taking part in the event.

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 is an important part of the global marathon market; it is perfectly situated in Asia, which means that it is accessible geographically to the world. It is an attractive city and country to visit, which means that demand to take part in the Tokyo Marathon is very high.

I feel that the Tokyo Marathon is very well known and respected for its operational excellence and the atmosphere and experiences that it delivers to the global running community and the AbbottWMM community.

Q4 Expectations for the Future

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

I think it is important to improve accessibility to the AbbottWMM so that anyone in the world can believe that they can achieve the 6-Star—and soon-to-be 9-Star—Journey. For this to be realised, people need to feel that they have a genuine chance of getting a start in all of the races.

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

As such, I think larger participant fields and a higher allocation via the ballot to international runners would go a long way toward building demand across the AbbottWMM series. This isn’t just important for the Tokyo Marathon, but for the entire series as a whole.

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