Sustainable Projects through Tokyo Marathon 2021

In effort to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not only through charity and sports volunteering, but also through projects such as Repurposing the event flag, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation will continue to launch different projects to incorporate sustainability within the Tokyo Marathon.

〇Start Upcycling with Toray's Recycled Fiber Brand &+® (And plus)! NEW!

First time in this year's event, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation will collaborate with &+® (And plus), a recycled fiber brand, from Toray Industries, Inc. (A Tokyo Marathon 2021 official partner) to promote recycling to realize a sustainable society. And using their upcycling technology, the collected used plastic bottles of the fluid stations on race day will be recycled into new material that can be used to produce volunteer uniforms (for the 2024 event).

&＋® Manufacturing Process

Water recirculating pump for hand wash NEW!

As a countermeasure against covid-19, hand washing machines will be set up at the 10km finish area and the Marathon finish area.
To reduce water waste, the water recirculating pump will be used allowing recirculation of 98% or more of water.

Using eco-friendly automobiles NEW!

With the aim to reduce carbon emission at the Tokyo Marathon, electric cars will be used wherever possible within the event.

Supported by SUBARU

Volunteer Uniforms／Using Eco-friendly Material without Years Printed to be Reused NEW!

Supported by Toray

In the past, the volunteer uniforms had the year of the tournament printed on them, but as the new uniform design does not feature a year logo, these new uniforms can be worn regardless of the tournament year. Further, plant-based synthetic fiber “Ecodear®” is used for the volunteer uniforms.

Reusing leftover volunteer items from the previous event in some areas of the Tokyo Marathon NEW!

We will be reusing leftover volunteer hats from the Tokyo Marathon 2020 at the 2021 event.

*Volunteer wears were donated to the Tokyo Medical Association.

The aid station cups to be made out of LIMEX!

Starting from Tokyo Marathon 2020, the aid station cups previously made out of recycled wood-chips will be replaced by cup made out of Japan patent material LIMEX, a break through material that is solely made from limestone that uses hardly little water when in producing. By using this material, excessive amount of water and trees will be saved in comparison to using a wood-based material.

Repurposing the Marathon Flags

The flags manufactured for the Tokyo Marathon 2021 will be repurposed as bags. The bags will be created at fabric manufacturing company that
employs people with disabilities. The bags will be available for purchase, and we will donate a portion of the profits to Tokyo Goodwill Bank.

Use of Plant-Based Synthetic Fabric

Supported by Toray

We will use environmentally friendly synthetic fibers derived from plants as fabric for volunteer wear and EXPO bags.

Going paperless

“My Entry” webpage is automatically created for all registered runners, allowing the runners to review Runner Handbook and race records that were previously printed and mailed.

Tokyo Marathon Charity

We hope to provide the people who run, support and cheer on the Tokyo Marathon the opportunities to think about social contribution and provide an opportunity to make a social change.
Through this, we hope to link all individual hearts to the society.

See more details, click here.