PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

TMG'S INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon, a large-scale city marathon with currently about 36,000 runners, was first held in February 2007. In this marathon, the participants, including an international group of invited athletes, run through the center of the city on a route that takes them past such landmarks as the Imperial Palace, the sophisticated shopping district of Ginza, and the old downtown area of Asakusa. The marathon has been established as one of Japan’s leading sporting events. On this day, the “joy” of the 36,000 runners, the “pride” of the 10,000-strong volunteer team, and the “excitement” of the 1.7 million spectators supporting the runners come together as one, uniting and lifting the spirits of the city.

The Sixth Tokyo Marathon held in February 2012 was extremely popular among the running community with over 280,000 applications. Lucky runners beating the odds of 9.6 to 1 participated in the race. In 2011, the marathon broadened its appeal by introducing slots for charity runners in the first full-fledged attempt to do so in a Japanese marathon. The marathon will continue to grow as one of the world’s leading city marathons.

Official website: http://www.tokyo42195.com/

The “Tokyo Big Marathon Festa,” a festival designed to cheer on the runners, comprises a variety of events taking place at a number of locations along the course.

An example of an event can be seen in front of one of Tokyo’s famed sightseeing spots, the Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate, where local traditional arts such as a dragon dance and taiko drums are performed. The Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, which is the site of the finish line, attracts large groups of spectators who come to watch the race while also enjoying events such as the parades of mikoshi portable shrines and even samba dancing.

At other locations, local residents, high school students, and citizen groups give performances of song, music, dance, cheerleading, traditional arts, and many more. This is a day when the people of Tokyo are brought together as one at a spectacular festival enjoyed by both runners and spectators alike.

Tokyo Big Marathon Festa 2012		© TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION