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 Matze, who fulfilled his long-cherished desire to participate in the Tokyo Marathon after taking on the “RUN as ONE – GLOBAL Virtual Run Series” 100km marathon challenge.

 

“Miracles happen when you try hard”

――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 Mr. Takaya Mitsuka at the 11km point.

 

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

 For me, having been away from sports for a long time, the Tokyo Marathon gave me a reason to really get back into serious training. Even on days when I didn’t feel like I had any energy, just knowing this race was coming up kept me going.

When all that hard work paid off and I finally arrived in Tokyo, it was just a series of amazing moments—I couldn’t stop smiling! Plus, all the delicious food I got to eat was so satisfying!
The Tokyo Marathon isn’t just about the joy of running; it’s a race that teaches you about the wonderful rewards that come after putting in a lot of effort!

 

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

 My Tokyo Marathon story can be summarized as ‘miracles happen when you try hard’ – that would be a perfect story title.

Running the Tokyo Marathon was a huge goal in my life, so I decided to challenge the ‘RUN as ONE – GLOBAL Virtual Run Series.’ I challenged myself many times, running a 21km race each time. And the ‘Extra Challenge Ultra Marathon’ remained as the last chance.
The condition for that challenge was to complete 100km. I steeled myself, thinking, ‘This is my last chance,’ and ran through the 100km. Unbelievable as it may seem, I finally won the right to participate in the Tokyo Marathon with that last chance.

Even now, when I remember that moment, my emotions overflow. It was truly a dreamlike event. I swore to myself—’I will definitely return to the Tokyo Marathon and experience this excitement again.

Everything about that weekend and the race itself – it was like a dream come true.

 

Please continue to cherish this ‘special atmosphere’

――The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. To become the world’s best race, what are your expectations for the Tokyo Marathon, or what improvements would you like to see?

 I personally think that it’s not always necessary to constantly look for things to improve. Sometimes, it’s much more valuable to focus on the strengths you already have and the things you should cherish rather than your weaknesses.

For me, the Tokyo Marathon is already something really special. Even though it’s a race held on the other side of the world, I felt like I was in my own home country. It was an incredible experience to stand at the starting line with runners from all over the world, feeling connected and sharing the same goal.

That’s why I hope the Tokyo Marathon will continue to cherish ‘this special atmosphere.’ I hope that in the wonderful city of Tokyo, they’ll continue to deliver warmth and a sense of unity to runners, just as they always have been.

 

 

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

 For me, the Tokyo Marathon is a place where dreams turn into reality. It’s where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together, and we all share the same feelings and emotions. That’s why the Tokyo Marathon will always be something truly special.