Interview Relay 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon
〜Connecting Hearts〜

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

This time, we introduce a wonderful story of Nao Run, who plans to challenge the Tokyo Marathon with the thoughts of her aunt. 

The course includes my favorite spots.

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

 It’s the article by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Metro) at the 8km point. I believe that many stakeholders and related organizations including Tokyo Metro play a crucial role in evolving Tokyo through the Tokyo Marathon. 

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

 The greatest appeal of the Tokyo Marathon is that I get to keep my motivations throughout the course. The course goes through so many places I know and love – my usual routes, my favorite spots – and the cheering from the sidelines never stops!

With the thoughts of my aunt

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

 At the Tokyo Marathon 2024, my uncle and my aunt were waiting for me at around 7km point and cheered for me. My aunt was not the only supporter, my husband, my mother and my friends all supported me at various spots. And their support gave me an incredible amount of strength. Another appeal of the Tokyo Marathon is the cheers on the sidelines as well as that we could pass faster runners on the course. My aunt is a marathon runner and I look up to her. At the Tokyo Marathon 2019, I was able to pass her on the course. However, due to an accident, she passed away all the sudden this year, and I was very shocked. This time, I would like to run the Tokyo Marathon with the thoughts of my aunt. 

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

The Tokyo Marathon enriches my life not only on the race day but also in my everyday life.