2018 Tokyo Marathon: Learn About Japan's Biggest Road Race
From Shinjuku to Otemachi
From its start in Shinjuku to the finish line by Tokyo Station and Gyoko-dori Avenue, the streets of Tokyo were lined with more than 1.5 million spectators cheering on the runners in brisk weather on February 26.
Compared to previous years, the 2018 course was relatively flat and conducive for those seeking PBs. Temperatures ranged from 3 to 9 degrees Celsius and the sun made nary an appearance. While cold for some, it surely made for ideal running conditions for others.
Throughout the course, runners were fueled by a total of 15 aid stations offering water, Pocari Sweat, and a smorgasbord of nutrition, including cherry tomatoes, bananas, and youkan (a thick, bean-based Japanese snack).
...And They're Off!
Aid Stations
2018 Tokyo Marathon Checkpoints
Start
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
5.6KM (3.5 mi)
By Iidabashi station
9.9KM (6.2 mi)
By Nihonbashi station
14.6KM (9.0 mi)
By Asakusa station
19.7KM (12.2 mi)
By Kayabacho station
The Finish Line: What Now?
Victory
Ahh, the sweet taste of victory as you cross that finish line!
What do you do when you near the end? Among the Japanese, it’s common to take a brief moment to bow towards the finish line (after completing the run). It’s a sign of respect and gratitude for the powers that be for guiding them safely through the course.
I Did That? I Did That.
Post-Marathon: Pain versus Glory
As is common among the marathon majors, there is a long walk between the starting line and when you’re finally “freed”. From the finish line to repossessing your checked bag and the tail-end of the finisher’s area, you could easily cover 2KM – and then some as you travel back home or to your hotel!
I mean, you just ran 42KM, what’s walking another 2KM?
Before you become an icicle, you’ll wrap up in your crinkly space foil blanket, bow your head for a kind volunteer to award you your race bling-bling medal, then shuffle on to receive your finisher’s goodie bag filled with enough carbs for you to generate enough energy to single-handedly heat a 2LDK.
Like the arrivals lobby at Narita Airport, the finisher’s area was clamoring with anxious friends, families, and significant others. Apart from crossing the finish line, the moment of reunification is perhaps one of the most satisfying feelings of accomplishment – “It’s done, I did it.”
Around Hibiya Park, a huge array of free products and services awaited the weary souls and tired legs. Eager volunteers served runners with free accupuncture, while Asahi distributed their alcohol-free beer alongside the boxes of Kagome tomatoes. Tents housing ashi-yu to soak one’s feet in warm water also proved popular among runners.
Whether you finished sub-3 or at 6-something, we commend each and every one of you who can say that you ran the 2018 Tokyo Marathon. We wish you the best of luck in your future running endeavors!
As with any sports event, volunteers play an integral part in ensuring smooth event operations. Officially, 11,000 volunteers were involved with the 2018 Tokyo Marathon. Countless others volunteered their time to support the finisher’s area and make it a memorable experience for all.
Being a volunteer is admittedly not always easy and pitching in your time and energy may not always be rewarding or fun, but we hope that those of you who regularly participate in sports events will consider giving back to the communities that have supported you.