I used to have operation on my left ankle, it took more than 6 months to come back to walk normally. During Covid-19, it was very difficult to go running outside. I would like to use this occasion to comeback from staying safe, staying distance and run as ONE with people around the world. And this is very special event because my 1-year old daughter will wait for me at Finished Line.
（THAILAND）

I am truly thrilled to be visiting Tokyo for the first time to complete our quest for Six Stars with my father-in-law, Clay Leighton. This will be our ninth marathon together, and our journey in doing so has been a wonderful way to see the world with our family and run on behalf of causes that are close to our hearts.
（UNITED STATES）

Tokyo Marathon is one of the six major marathon in the world. In order to accomplish my dream to complete the six major, I've long been waiting for the Tokyo Marathon. It's not only because the marathon is a major and it's also the only major in Asia and Tokyo is also one of my favourite city to visit in Japan.
（AUSTRALIA）

Running Tokyo has always been a dream. I have been lucky to run the city on many occasions when visiting, around the Imperial Palace, on the islands like Harumi, but I always wanted to experience the thrill of the Tokyo Marathon. I run in cities because it is the best to connect with the architecture, with the urban world, with the people, with the energy and the vibes the city creates. I can't wait to run Tokyo Marathon, joining fellow passionate runners from Japan and from all around the world in this most exciting competition.
（SWITZERLAND）

I started running to lose weight and that transformed and within a year I ran my first marathon and lost 60lbs. I've ran 11 marathons since then and have been trying to become a six star finisher for years. Tokyo will be #4 for me (London and Boston left). I visited Tokyo in 2017 and it became my favorite city (still is!) and have been dreaming of a revisit for years. So excited that my reason to return is to participate in the famous Tokyo marathon. Thank you for this opportunity!
（UNITED STATES）

I used to ran 5 km three times a week for health purpose only and I wasn't passionate about running, to be honest. It all started in a middle of a catch-up with friends during my summer trip back home this year. Some of them shared they were training hard towards the Rio de Janeiro Marathon 2023, and invited me to do so. I laugh and said it was a crazy idea to run such a long distance, but something on their experience touched me and I said "Yes, I will run a marathon next year!". When I came back to Tokyo, it was the deadline for the Tokyo Marathon 2023. I didn't think twice and applied. Since then, I started training, reading and watching videos about runners and when I realized I started running by passion. Now, 42,195 km does not make me fear. Rather, it became the fuel of my mornings to lace-up my shoes and go run!
（BRAZIL）

This is a celebration of health for me & my friend - finally getting to Japan!

I have always targetted running the world majors, it was a lifetime goal before I became ill with Bowel Cancer in 2016, at the very young age of 29. My surgeries for my cancer were debilitating, with one leaving me in intensive care & I was advised that I would likely never run again (very extensive surgery called Complete Cytoreduction) - I like to use running & particularly marathons as a celebration of returning to glorious health & all that the mind and body can do!

In parallel, my friend Claire who will support me in Tokyo will join in the double celebration of global health returning and us, finally getting to Tokyo! We had planned to come for the Olympics in 2020 - we had flights, accommodation & several tickets booked. We are looking forward to exploring these wondrous lands and celebrating health for us all! And we're probably going to see some Blossom too!

LUSH!!!
（GREAT BRITAIN & N.I.）

Being a Mum of two little boys twenty five years ago, in the small country in heart of Europe, I read in a magazine the story of Japan woman, who decided to run a marathon, she was training and she managed....I thought, it is something unbelievable, unreachable for me. In 2012 because of love to my bestest boyfriend, who inspired me, I have finished my first marathon in Scotland. It is not easy, one has to train hard and regularly with such a joy, determination, will, positive frame of mind. I finished five Prague Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicago Marathons and participated in three ballots for Tokyo Marathon, which seemed to be an unreal dream to get place.... (three years ago I made a wish for myself to run all the Six Majors before I am sixty (wow!) :-)) And finally in my happy year 2022 I am SELECTED for 2023 Tokyo Marathon. Can you imagine, which good luck, challenge, desire this is for me? Being an architect I am keen on seeing Japan too on the other side of Earth.
（CZECH REPUBLIC）

Survive bike crash down a mountain. Came back stronger and more motivated than ever. Trying to teach my 2 daughters the power of sport, discipline and will power. Being an inspiration for them
（NETHERLANDS）

My first marathon was in Valencia in 2017 and my husband proposed to me at the finish line. This will not be able to match any other marathon. Now it's my dream to get the six star medals in Tokyo.
（BELGIUM）