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 from Sushirino, a general entry participant who felt an unforgettable warmth of support at the Tokyo Marathon 2025.

 

Words from My Parents Moved Me More Than Breaking My Record

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

 A story from Mr. Eu at the 29km point.

 

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

 The festive atmosphere, the safety, and the charm of Tokyo itself.

 

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

 It’s about the “received support.”

I’m a 27-year-old company employee and runner. Last year (2024), I ran the Tokyo Marathon for the first time and finished in 4 hours and 24 minutes. I had never imagined running a full marathon before, but I became completely hooked on the appeal of running. This year (2025), I significantly improved my personal best and finished in 3 hours and 32 minutes.

However, what moved me the most at this year’s Tokyo Marathon wasn’t the record or the scenery, but the “support.”

My parents hadn’t been very interested in my running. Last year, they said “Good luck,” but they didn’t come to cheer me on. So, this year I wasn’t expecting anything in particular and thought, “I’ll just let them know when I finish.”

On race day, there were so many people along the course. I ran with all my might, hearing people call my name and giving high-fives. Then, in the later stages of the race, around Hibiya Park where it was toughest, I suddenly thought I heard a familiar voice shouting, “Rinoooo!” My tiredness made me think it was just in my head, so I pushed forward.

After the race, when I checked my phone, I had a message from my mother.

“We went to cheer you on, but couldn’t find you! You were really amazing! Congratulations!”

I was surprised, and I called her. My mother said, “There were so many people, I couldn’t find you, but watching everyone running so hard made me cry. You guys are running with such dedication.”

My parents, who aren’t used to cheering, probably didn’t even know where to wait. Even so, they searched for me in the crowd and cheered me on, imagining my run. That made me incredibly happy.

The joy of breaking my record after finishing was nothing compared to how moved I was by my parents’ words, “We went to cheer you on.”

My running might change in the future, but the warmth of the “received support” at this year’s Tokyo Marathon is something I will never forget.

Mom and Dad, thank you for coming to see me.

 

The Tokyo Marathon is a lump of love!

――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 love this race so much, and I wonder if there’s any other event as wonderful as this one! If only the congestion in the restrooms before the start could be eased a little!

 

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

 A lump of love!