The Tokyo Marathon Foundation's sustainability initiative "RUN CYCLE SQUARE" made its debut at the Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2026, held from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28!

"RUN CYCLE" is an initiative to reduce environmental impact and nurture a sustainable running culture by circulating—rather than discarding—worn-out running apparel and used shoes.

At the venue, environmentally friendly event operations, the fun of cheering on runners, and the efforts to create a safe and secure event were promoted in an integrated manner. The programs included collection and buyback of running shoes that have fulfilled their role, creation of one-of-a-kind cheering goods using waste materials, workshops to transform soles from non-recyclable shoes and used tires into Tokyo Marathon original recycled sandals, and life-saving education to protect lives. These were hands-on programs that children and adults alike could enjoy while participating.

"R-LOOP" are collection boxes for unwanted running shoes. Collected shoes are shipped to Malaysia or Kazakhstan for reuse and resale overseas. We spoke with a runner from Chiba Prefecture who brought two pairs of shoes right at the opening time on the first day. The runner said, "I learned about this initiative on the Tokyo Marathon official website.  I wondered if these shoes were okay, but if someone can use them instead of throwing them away, that would be great. I think it’s a really good initiative." After that, other runners continued to bring shoes one after another. By evening, two "R-LOOP" boxes were filled with shoes. Additionally, a "Shoe Buyback Counter" was set up in the venue. Buybacks were conducted by advance reservation. (Cooperation: BOOKOFF)

On the other hand, a distinctive initiative within this "RUN CYCLE SQUARE" was the recycled sandal-making workshop. The workshop lets participants handcraft original Tokyo Marathon recycled sandals using soles from non-recyclable shoes and used tires.

The sandal soles, processed by blending running shoe soles and used tire materials, feature a black tire base scattered with colorful rubber from running shoe soles in red, blue, pink, and more. No two have the same pattern or color scheme, making them truly one-of-a-kind original sandals. Participants finished it off by pairing this sole with the Tokyo Marathon 2026 orange strap and another color of their choice. Of course, it’s not just about making them; afterward, all participants went outside the venue to enjoy the comfort of the sandals.(Cooperation: NITTO KAKO)

Mei Ichinose, a former Japanese Paralympic swimmer, ASICS brand ambassador as well as the Sustainability Reporter of this year’s event, also took part in the recycled sandal workshop. Ichinose, who has been regularly wearing beach sandals recycled from tires, reflected that this was a fresh experience for her as well. "I buy ready-made beach sandals recycled from tires, but making them myself like this creates a lot of attachment. They are truly one-of-a-kind, and making them while talking with everyone was really fun!" As for the feel when wearing them, she said she could truly sense the "earth."

"I'm usually in thick-soled shoes, so these sandals made me really feel connected to the 'earth.'" This initiative is about sustainability and reducing environmental impact, but wearing these recycled sandals doesn't just raise awareness—it forces you to feel the earth beneath your feet, creating a real sense of connection to the planet as you walk. I thought they were a perfect pair in various senses."

Furthermore, this time, 60 pairs of shoes were transformed into more than double, 130 pairs of sandals. Ichinose noted, "That's a big impact too. I want many people to know about this initiative, and I hope lots of people come to 'RUN CYCLE SQUARE' next year and beyond." She expressed expectations that this would spread recycling awareness further among runners as a trigger.

Other hands-on activities at the venue included crafting misanga bracelets from unwanted T-shirts, the "PUSH CPR Class" life-saving education program, and the "TOKYO MARATHON CREATIVE CAMP," where participants made sustainable original cheering goods from Tokyo Marathon waste (such as course tape and pellets from recycled collected clothing).

Furthermore, initiatives were introduced such as upcycling event flags that decorated the streets into bags and other products, reusing part of the course tape installed along the course for the next event, and recycling paper cups used at aid stations into toilet paper and more—all sustainability activities conducted through the Tokyo Marathon.
Going forward, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation will continue to connect the joy of running to the future and implement sustainable experiences and initiatives where runners’ actions create the next start.

Additionally, various sustainability initiatives promoted by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, including this "RUN CYCLE SQUARE," are detailed on the Tokyo Marathon Foundation Sustainability Special Website.
Please take a look at the efforts aiming for sustainable event creation for the future, based on three pillars: environmental consideration, social contribution and awareness promotion, and promotion of diversity and inclusion.

▶Click here for the Sustainability Special Website.

The sustainability report by Mei Ichinose is also to be released soon.