Tokyo Marathon: 20 Stories for the 20th Anniversary
For 20 years, the Tokyo Marathon has brought runners from around the world together in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities. Since joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2012, it has become a bucket-list race for Six-Star chasers and runners wanting to experience the unique energy of Tokyo.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the 2027 race will feature a special-edition medal, with a ‘20’ design symbolising each runner’s journey and iconic Tokyo landmarks on the reverse. With a record field of 40,000 runners, it promises to be a special edition of this iconic marathon.
To mark the anniversary, we asked runners in the Sports Tours International community to share the memories, moments and people that made their Tokyo Marathon experience unforgettable.
1. Abir Ali – Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom
For Abir, Tokyo was about much more than completing another World Marathon Major.
His journey combined his love of running with more than a decade of fundraising for The Lullaby Trust following the loss of his son, Charlie, in 2004.
“I always wanted to visit Japan and tick off an Abbott World Marathon Major. I also fundraise for The Lullaby Trust, who are the UK’s leading charity for cot deaths.
“The Tokyo Marathon and the schedule fell within the timeline of my son Charlie’s short life and gave me a focus during what would have been his 21st birthday.
“The course was amazing, the atmosphere was electric, and I was in a little bubble with my son. The marathon was completed in 3:58, proudly wearing the charity vest, and the whole experience finally gave me closure.”
Travelling solo, Abir also found comfort in the support around him.
“Without Sports Tours and the service they provide, the Tokyo experience wouldn’t have happened, or would have been much more difficult.”
2. Sander Weijl – Tolkamer, Netherlands
Tokyo was Sander’s fourth World Marathon Major and his first opportunity to experience Japan.
“To fulfil the Six-Star journey. Tokyo was my fourth. Japan in general is different from Europe, very efficient. I enjoyed every moment.”
Having previously travelled with Sports Tours for the London Marathon, Sander valued being able to secure his Tokyo place and experience the trip alongside fellow runners.
One of his most memorable experiences came away from the marathon, visiting Hiroshima.
“Hiroshima, as a European, to see and hear the story of the atomic bomb was emotional.”
His advice to anyone considering Tokyo?
“Do it! You only live once.”
3. Stephanie Farthing – Enfield, United Kingdom
Tokyo had always been on Stephanie’s bucket list, making it the perfect opportunity to combine a marathon with an adventure through Japan.
She chose the extended tour package, spending time exploring the country before and after race day.
“From start to finish, the whole trip was amazing. Our tour guide Minnie was funny and extremely knowledgeable. The places we went to and all the sights we saw were fabulous and unique.”
From the Golden Palace and Bamboo Forest to temples, food and the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Stephanie found plenty to remember beyond the marathon.
She also made new friends along the way.
“To visit Japan, experience new foods and cultures and have everything planned out and booked for you helped make the trip even more special.”
4. Craig Grimes – Lee’s Summit, United States
Tokyo was a bucket-list marathon for Craig in 2025. But just days before flying to Japan, he wasn’t even sure he would be able to run.
“I had badly bruised my ribs just days before flying to Tokyo. I had no idea if I would even be able to take on the marathon.”
With support from the Sports Tours team, Craig made it to the start line and completed the race.
But it was the opportunity to explore Tokyo that made the trip even more memorable.
“Touring the city before the race was a dream come true, and I loved it so much that I’m going back with Sports Tours again in 2027.”
For Craig, having the logistics taken care of meant he could focus on experiencing Japan.
“I didn’t have to waste any energy worrying about how I’d get to the start, how I’d get back after the race, or how I’d get around and experience what Tokyo and Japan had to offer.”
5. Susie Colvill – Benfleet, United Kingdom
Tokyo was Susie’s fifth World Marathon Major and a destination she had always wanted to visit.
“The trip was amazing from start to finish and Sports Tours were incredible with their knowledge and just being there for anything we needed.”
From the marathon itself to seeing Sports Tours support around the course, Susie felt part of something bigger.
“Running with Sports Tours makes you feel part of a family. Everyone is so friendly and passionate about the experience.”
Away from race day, Mount Fuji, the temples and the arrival of cherry blossom were among her highlights.
“The whole trip was very, very special.”
6. Sharon Stancer – Stamford, United Kingdom
Tokyo was Sharon’s fifth Major and a long-standing bucket-list race.
As a solo traveller, one of the biggest highlights was the community she found along the way.
“As a solo traveller, I’m always made to feel welcome. Travelling with Sports Tours around the world is always fun!”
She explored Tokyo’s shrines, the famous Cat Temple and plenty of the city’s unique culture – including one particularly unexpected highlight.
“One of the strange highlights of Japan is the toilet!”
Her advice for anyone considering Tokyo is simple:
“Don’t think about it… just book your place in Japan with Sports Tours. You’ll run a brilliant course, visit a fabulous country and meet lots of like-minded running friends for life.”
7. Anna-Maria Leichtfried – London, United Kingdom
For Anna-Maria, Tokyo marked the completion of her Marathon Majors journey and earned her Six-Star medal!
But one moment during the marathon itself has stayed with her.
“We were running along a big road six lanes wide, three going one way, three going the other way. All I could see around me was other runners and I just felt so connected with everyone else, like I was exactly where I belonged.”
That feeling of connection was one of the defining parts of her Tokyo experience.
She also loved exploring the city’s food scene, from restaurants and supermarkets to trying new KitKat flavours.
“I’m a big foodie, so I especially loved exploring the culinary side of Tokyo.”
8. Rosina Attwood – Glasgow, Scotland
Rosina initially thought Tokyo might be out of reach.
Instead, she joined a friend from the US, chose the extended tour and spent ten unforgettable days travelling through Japan.
“Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo were fabulous, so many memories to look back on.”
The trip included meeting Paula Radcliffe at the 5K, exploring the Bamboo Forest and Hiroshima, taking a day trip to Kobe and travelling on the Bullet Train.
“I would not have seen as much going independently. Sports Tours thought of it all.”
For Rosina, the combination of sightseeing, race support and meeting other runners made the experience particularly memorable.
“Absolutely do it. You won’t regret it.”
9. Oliver Ridgwell – London, United Kingdom
For Oliver, Tokyo was another step towards completing the Six-Star journey and an opportunity to experience Japan alongside fellow runners.
“I wanted to ensure I got a spot for the race without chancing it through the ballot, while also having the opportunity to meet fellow runners and celebrate the experience with them afterwards.”
Exploring the shrines and temples was a particular highlight.
“There was so much to see and experience beyond the marathon itself, and being able to explore Japan alongside other runners made the trip even more memorable.”
10. Vanessa Beadsworth – Nottingham, United Kingdom
Tokyo was Vanessa’s bucket-list marathon and another milestone towards completing the World Marathon Majors.
From the moment she arrived, the organisation and support from Sports Tours stood out.
“To be able to stand on that start line while still not really believing we were actually in Japan was incredible!”
The trip was filled with memories, from exploring Tokyo and Hiroshima to travelling on the Bullet Train and feeding the Nara deer.
But for Vanessa, the people were just as important as the places.
“We felt supported and looked after at all times. We made friends that we will now have for a lifetime.”
11. Sean Whelan – Bridgnorth, United Kingdom
Tokyo was Sean’s third Major, but one of his favourite memories happened away from the marathon itself.
He discovered a parkrun in Tokyo and attended with two friends he had previously met through Sports Tours at the Chicago Marathon.
Then came an unexpected surprise.
“What was super unexpected was that I randomly met someone from my hometown at the parkrun!”
As a solo traveller, Sean also valued having a familiar support network thousands of miles from home.
“Being a solo traveller and booking with Sports Tours means I know there will always be someone to help me out. It makes me feel like I haven’t flown across the world on my own.”
12. Shariska Winterdal – Noord, Aruba
For Shariska, Tokyo represented the completion of an incredible Six-Star journey.
“The Tokyo Marathon was my Six-Star Marathon Major.”
Alongside completing the final Major, she enjoyed exploring the city and travelling to Mount Fuji.
“Excellent service, very attentive, nice city tour sightseeing and visiting Mount Fuji was incredible.”
13. Fiona Tideswell – Cambridge, United Kingdom
Fiona travelled to Tokyo in pursuit of her fifth World Marathon Major, and discovered one of the city’s more unusual attractions along the way.
“We found a hedgehog café and, away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, we spent an hour drinking tea, chatting and schmoozing with hedgehogs!”
For Fiona, Tokyo was also a reminder that travelling somewhere completely different can come with unexpected challenges.
“Tokyo was a huge cultural experience and there were certainly moments where I found the cultural differences challenging, particularly during the race.”
But that was also part of the adventure.
“You experience the good and the challenging, and you come home with a story to tell.”
14. Jenny Black – Inverurie, United Kingdom
For Jenny, Tokyo was both a bucket-list marathon and her fifth World Marathon Major.
But the most important person on the trip was her son.
“I’m a single parent, so this was a trip of a lifetime for my son and me. He has always loved all things Japanese, so this was a dream of his.”
Having him there was the highlight of the entire experience.
Together they explored Shinjuku, Shibuya Sky, temples and their favourite ramen spot, Ichiran.
The support from Sports Tours also made navigating a huge city much easier.
“Tokyo can be quite tricky to navigate initially, so having people there who had already recce’d places and the subways was super helpful.”
For Jenny and her son, it was quite simply a trip of a lifetime.
15. Ravi Lobo – London, United Kingdom
For Ravi, Tokyo provided a magical way to complete his Marathon Majors journey.
“The organisation of the package ensured the entire trip was enjoyed. From visits to temples to the location of the hotel, everything enabled me to enjoy Tokyo with ease.”
He also appreciated having the time to extend his stay and experience more of the city around race day.
“Sports Tours know what they are doing and never forget that you are there to enjoy the city and run a marathon without unnecessary stress.”
A visit to Meiji Jingu was one of his favourite experiences.
16. Kai Schmieder – Chemnitz, Germany
Tokyo was Kai’s fifth Major and his first experience of Japan.
On race day, some of his favourite moments came from simply taking in the atmosphere.
“My favourite moments were passing the temples, the crowd and passing the elite runners on the other side of the course.”
Having travelled with Sports Tours three times, Kai also enjoyed reconnecting with the team and fellow runners.
And his advice for future Tokyo runners?
“Eat enough before the security check!”
17. Julian Bingle – London, United Kingdom
Julian travelled to Tokyo chasing completion of the World Marathon Majors, and came away with an epic personal best.
At 51, he ran 3:16:57.
Beyond the marathon, Japan itself left a lasting impression.
“Japan is beautiful for tourists, and the people are extremely hospitable.”
His race-day advice is short and simple: “Don’t hold back!”
18. Tony Kendrick – Lyndhurst, England
Tokyo was Tony’s sixth Marathon Major, with the Six-Star medal waiting for him at the finish line.
But his Japanese adventure started before he even reached the capital, with a week of powder skiing in Niseko.
He then spent four days exploring Tokyo and visiting Mount Fuji.
“The Mount Fuji trip was a great highlight, and meeting other Sports Tours runners meant I was never lonely.”
Food, restaurants, boulevards and gardens were also among his favourite parts of the trip.
“Do it. It’s not cheap, but you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.”
19. Kristie Sabo – Teutopolis, United States
For Kristie, Tokyo was almost a last-minute decision. It turned into one of her most memorable running adventures.
After hearing from friends that there were only a couple of places left, she decided to make the trip.
And on race day, she met another runner from the US in her starting corral.
“We ran the 26.2 miles together, supporting each other with plenty of laughter along the way.”
By the finish, they had helped each other through the race, and Kristie had helped pace her new friend to a Boston qualifying time for 2027.
The friendship continued long after they left Japan.
“We still communicate every day – a lifelong friendship made at the Tokyo Marathon.”
20. Joseph Pearce – United Kingdom
For Joseph, Tokyo was another important milestone on his journey to completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The race itself was a highlight, but so was the opportunity to explore more of Japan.
“The tour was also a real highlight. Visiting the temple and taking the boat trip were fantastic ways to experience more of Tokyo and Japan.”
Having previously travelled with Sports Tours for other events, Joseph also valued the familiarity and support.
“They take the stress out of the travel and allow you to focus on enjoying the experience.”
And, of course, the trip finished with another memorable moment: the after-party.
“The after-party was fantastic!”
20 Stories. One Unforgettable Destination.
Twenty runners. Twenty different reasons for choosing the Tokyo Marathon.
For some, it was about completing the World Marathon Majors. For others, it was about honouring loved ones, ticking off a bucket-list dream, sharing the experience with family or simply discovering somewhere completely new.
There were emotional moments, lifelong friendships and unforgettable achievements.
But running through almost every story is one common theme: community.
The Tokyo Marathon may last 26.2 miles, but for these runners, the experience began long before the start line and continued long after they crossed the finish. Here’s to the next 20 years of the Tokyo Marathon, and to all the runners who will make the next chapter their own.
Sports Tours International offers everything from 5 star accommodation shakeout runs and race briefings to guided sightseeing tours, race-day logistics, and unforgettable post-race celebrations, helping runners enjoy every part of the Tokyo Marathon experience stress-free. Sign up here.
50+ Years
Since 1973, Sports Tours International has been taking runners and cyclists to the world’s greatest events
