Governor of TokyoChairperson, Tokyo Marathon 2026KOIKE, YurikoJapan Association of Athletics FederationsPresidentARIMORI, YukoRacing toward a more interconnected Tokyo with the globally celebrated Tokyo MarathonGREETINGSCarrying Forward the Excitement fromthe World Athletics Championships, Onward to the Tokyo Marathon Challenge04As we welcome the Tokyo Marathon 2026, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all participating runners, to the volunteers and related personnel who support this race, and to everyone cheering from along the course.Last September, Tokyo hosted the World Athletics Championships, where top athletes' performances electrified the city immensely. The Tokyo Marathon also turns the city of Tokyo itself into the stage — a place where runners, those who support them, and those who cheer them on all share the same moment and space. I sincerely hope that the excitement and sense of unity sparked in Tokyo by the World Athletics Championships will surely carry over to the Tokyo Marathon.I believe that marathon running is a challenge that begins with one's own decision to "give it a try," rather than something imposed by others. There are days when things go well and days when they do not go as planned. Even so, each step taken by one's own choice will surely lead to the next. In my own athletic career, I was repeatedly saved by the attitude of "not blaming others" and "sticking to my own will."The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is a Grade 1 event in the MGC Series 2025-26 and serves as a Japanese national team selection race for both the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. For runners aiming for the world stage, it is a venue for serious competition, while for all participants across various events and categories, it is a place to confirm the fruits of their daily efforts. Though the reasons for standing at the start line today vary from person to person, I feel that every starting step is equally precious.As you approach the finish, both body and mind will become more honest. That is why, after finishing, you should properly acknowledge and give credit to yourself — not just for your placing or time, but for having come this far. I hope you take pride in today's challenge.The charm of the Tokyo Marathon lies in the fact that it is not achieved by runners alone. The encouragement, water stations, directions, applause, and cheers delivered at every point along the course — each and every one gives you that vital push on the back when things get tough. The feeling of cheering someone on will, in turn, support someone else's challenge. I believe this cycle is what warms the streets of Tokyo.Moreover, I want the Tokyo Marathon to be an event where everyone can participate true to themselves, regardless of age, gender, disability, or any other factor. We will keep treating accessibility, environmental initiatives, and inclusivity not as "special" measures, but as natural and essential parts of the event — and together with all of you, work to make the Tokyo Marathon even better.In closing, I would like to once again express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this event possible. May the Tokyo Marathon 2026 be a day when everyone can take pride in their "self-determined challenge." With my heartfelt wishes for your success, I conclude my greeting.Since the inaugural marathon was held in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon has continued to evolve with the cooperation of many people, delivering immense inspiration and excitement as one of the world’s premier marathons that make up the Abbott World Marathon Majors. The impressive sight of amateur and elite runners racing through the streets of Tokyo has become a distinctive hallmark of the city in this season and serves to further enhance the marathon’s reputation as an international sporting event.A record 39,000 runners from across the globe are gathering for this year’s marathon to race while being showered with passionate cheers from the sidelines. We are also vigorously supporting the efforts of participants through volunteer-led activities and diverse performances held as part of TOKYO CHEER 2026, a series of events to cheer on runners, which will take place at various locations along the course. These will no doubt make for special moments that will allow visitors to sense Tokyo’s unique culture and hospitality.Last year, the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics were held in Tokyo. These events brought together many athletes and spectators from around the world and became opportunities to once again showcase the wonder of sports and the infinite potential of people.We are committed to carrying on the legacy of those events through the operation of the Tokyo Marathon, which enables everyone to participate in their own way. For example, beginning with last year’s race, we have added a nonbinary identity option for runners to select during the registration process and introduced measures to allow the participation of Duo Teams on a trial basis. I am confident that this event will serve as a powerful driving force for Tokyo where everyone is connected through sports.Furthermore, as the impacts of climate change grow increasingly severe, we are working to make event operations even more eco-friendly, such as through the active use of electric cars and electric motorcycles, as we seek to promote decarbonization and ultimately realize a sustainable city.This will be “The Day We Unite”—a day when running spreads the joys of “doing,” “watching,” and “supporting,” while also connecting the hopes for the future of each and every individual.I hope the Tokyo Marathon will continue to be loved by people around the world, and I wish the event many years of prosperity and ongoing growth.
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