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 Mr. Bryan Lip who completed nine marathons during his first year of marathon and will take on another challenge to run his 10th one at the Tokyo Marathon 2025.

 

The volunteers are what truly make the Tokyo Marathon unique.

――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 Ms. Etsuko Yamamoto, Director of the Social Contribution Division of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation at the 7km point. 

Being part of the Tokyo Marathon is not just about running; it’s about the whole event that makes this special, and the volunteers are what truly make it unique. Reading about Etsuko Yamamoto-san’s experience, she initially volunteered but now she is working in the Social Contribution Division of Tokyo marathon Foundation, was inspiring. I am a strong believer in giving back in all ways possible to help support and grow the sport of running. Etsuko Yamamoto-san embodies this.

 

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

Having an opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality. Tokyo and Japan are like nowhere else in the world, and an opportunity to run and share this experience with athletes and supporters from Japan and around the world is something I am sure I’ll never experience anywhere else.

 

Expecting the further growth of “ONE TOKYO GLOBAL”

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

Harry Sugiyama is an inspiration for me. As a Tokyo One Global member, like Harry, I am also mixed race. I am half Irish and half Malaysian, and an avid runner. I only took up running a year ago but have now run 9 marathons—Tokyo will be my 10th.  I hope to achieve a sub-3-hour marathon. My personal best is 3:10:07 so far.

 

――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?

 This is so exciting—congratulations to the Tokyo Marathon Foundation on the great success of the Tokyo Marathon! I am sure this event will be fantastic. I had the opportunity to attend the Berlin Marathon’s 50th anniversary last year, which was also the year I turned 50! The improvement that comes to mind for me would be to see the continued growth of ONE TOKYO GLOBAL and the activities surrounding it. As a member in its inaugural year, it has brought me so many amazing opportunities, including special events and even a special finisher’s jacket! I’d love more people to become members of ONE TOKYO GLOBAL. I also won an entry to the Tokyo Marathon 2025 through this!

 

Everyone is welcome in the Tokyo Marathon.

 

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

 It is special to me because my partner of 20 years is mixed race and Japanese. I am also mixed race, but not Japanese—I am Malaysian. I love that the Tokyo Marathon brings together people from around the world. No matter what racial background you have, whether you are gay, straight, or anything else, you are welcome in Tokyo and Japan, and we are united by purpose and the sport of running!

I am a big fan of Pride House Tokyo, and I am also the Asia-Pacific representative and on the committee of International Front Runners, representing LGBTQIA+ runners from over 120 clubs around the world and over 20,000 runners. I’m excited to support our newest club, the Tokyo Front Runners!