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

 

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

This time, we share an inspiring story of Ms. Maria João, who carries the memory of her late father as she fuels her passion for running.

 

To cherish precious memories of my father and enjoy some sushi.

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

 The interview that resonated most deeply with me was with neuroscientist Mr. Kenichiro Mogi, who finds purpose through running and participates in the Tokyo Marathon every year as a charity runner.

I also run with a purpose, so I deeply empathized with his story. I ran the London Marathon as a charity runner in memory of my father, who passed away from kidney cancer, supporting the organization “World Child Cancer” to fight for equal cancer treatment for children around the world. I believe that what all people who are grieving truly seek is a happy and healthy mindset. Like Mr. Mogi, I turn pain into something meaningful and live a life full of positivity, joy, and love, while helping others.

While Mr. Mogi may not agree, I think if we didn’t hit the 35 km wall in marathons, the experience would feel much happier (laughs). However, running for a purpose gives us the strength to overcome pain, and there is always a reason to face everything with determination.

 

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

 

 The Tokyo Marathon, held in Japan, is a dream come true and a race that I deeply admire.

My father and I have always been passionate fans of track and field. I grew up watching major sporting events like the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships by his side. One of the athletes who inspired both of us the most was Rosa Mota—a legendary Portuguese marathon runner who became the first person in history, male or female, to win both the World Championships and the Olympic Games in the marathon. She also won the Osaka International Women’s Marathon in Japan, and I remember sitting on my father’s lap as a child, watching her race.

I have set a goal to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), and participating in the Tokyo Marathon will mark a significant milestone in that journey. Running a marathon in Japan, especially in Tokyo, is not only a way to honor my father, but also a chance to relive the cherished memories of watching marathons with him, as the daughter who once sat on his lap.

But honestly… it’s also about fulfilling a lifelong dream of running the Tokyo Marathon, earning that finisher medal, and eating as much sushi as I want (laughs).

 

Imagine being able to unwind in a hot spring after the Tokyo Marathon

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

　

 One of the most emotional memories I have from marathons is watching the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with my father. It was the last Olympic Games we watched together before he passed away, and I remember every medal that Portugal won during that time.

Running in Tokyo, to me, is not just about completing the race. It’s a way to honor the shared passion my father and I had for athletics and to relive the feeling of being the young girl who once dreamed while watching the world’s best runners alongside her father.

I’m sure my father is cheering for me from above, but I also imagine that when he sees a photo of me finishing in what could be the most “graceful” yoga pose I’ve ever done, he’ll be laughing at the sight!

 

――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?

 The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, and I hope it continues to evolve as one of the most inspiring and inclusive races in the world.

One way to enhance the event is by strengthening its charity programs and making it easier for international runners to participate. Running with purpose, like Kenichiro Mogi, adds deep meaning to the marathon experience, allowing runners to connect with something greater than themselves.

Additionally, inviting runners who represent the spirit of the marathon, including those from various regions of the world or those with unique personal stories, could be a great idea. Celebrating the diverse reasons people run and embodying the global aspect of the race would enrich the experience. Furthermore, spotlighting legendary past champions and weaving their legacies into storytelling would honor the marathon’s history and inspire a new generation of runners.

And, as a personal wish… how about offering every runner the opportunity to soak in an onsen after the race? Given that it’s a marathon held in Tokyo, Japan, I think many runners must dream of relaxing in onsen after completing the 42.195km race.

 

Resilience, passion, and legacy

 

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

 For me, the Tokyo Marathon represents resurrection, passion, and legacy.

In Japan, there is a proverb, “七転び八起き” (Nanakorobi yaoki), which means “fall seven times, stand up eight.” That is the essence of running and of life. I grieved the loss of my father, but through running, I was able to rise again. I run for my father, for the love of sports we shared, and for the children who deserve a chance at life.

Running in Tokyo is not just a race—it’s a tribute, a connection to my roots, and the realization of a dream.

 

My stories from the London Marathon:

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/maria-saleiro