Earning My Sixth Abbott World Marathon Major Star in Tokyo
Completing my sixth and final Abbott World Marathon Major in Tokyo was the culmination of a journey that began in 2019 with my first marathon trip with Sports Tours International. After thousands of miles, countless training runs and many fond memories, both on the course and as a Sports Tours rep cheering from the sidelines, I finally crossed the finish line at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon and claimed that coveted Six Star medal! Here’s a look back at the race that made it all official.
Tokyo: Precision and Perfection
The Tokyo Marathon was incredibly well-organised (everything ran like clockwork). The streets were spotless, with zero litter, which was impressive given the sheer size of the event. While Tokyo has stricter rules compared to other major marathons, being aware of them beforehand made everything go smoothly. If you do your homework and follow the guidelines, you won’t have any issues.
One key thing to note for future runners: Tokyo enforces strict cut-off times, unlike the more lenient approach at other Majors. If you don’t meet them, you’ll be removed from the course. Additionally, runners aren’t allowed to bring their own drinks into the start area or onto the course, basically any beverage container that you can fill up yourself isn’t allowed (gels and food are permitted).
Tokyo is also the hardest Abbott World Marathon Major to qualify for based on time. Only 25 men and 25 women can earn a place through the Tokyo Marathon Run as One program for semi-elite overseas runners. The required qualifying times are:
• Men: Under 2:28
• Women: Under 3:09
Fortunately, with a tour operator like Sports Tours, these strict qualifying times aren’t a barrier, allowing any passionate runner to take part. However, they do highlight just how tough it is to secure a place in the event.
Crowds, culture and an epic finish
The atmosphere was electric. Spectators lined the entire route, cheering enthusiastically. The sunny weather undoubtedly helped draw out the crowds and their energy was infectious. Music and dancers added to the vibrant experience! The final kilometre was particularly special, a narrow-cobbled street packed with spectators. The noise was deafening as the crowd seemed almost on top of you. That unforgettable finish will stay with me forever.
The course: out-and-back surprises
I’m typically not a fan of courses with multiple out-and-back stretches, but Tokyo’s layout had some unexpected benefits. Seeing familiar faces running in the opposite direction was a real boost and it gave supporters the chance to spot you multiple times during the race.
The course itself was flat and fast, making it ideal for runners chasing a personal best. We passed some iconic landmarks, including temples, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo TV Tower. The smooth road surface was a dream to run on, which added to the overall experience.
Tough moments and mental battles
The hardest stretch for me was between 34km and 41km. This is always a tough point in a marathon but seeing runners on the opposite side of the road closing in on the finish while I still had 8km to go played with my mind. The rising temperatures added to the challenge, making those final kilometres feel even tougher.
Training through winter in chilly conditions didn’t quite prepare me for the unexpected heat on race day. However, the months of long Sunday runs paid off, that mental and physical endurance helped me push through and cross the finish line.
A dream realised in Tokyo
Until I actually crossed the finish line, I tried not to let myself believe it was happening, anything can happen on race day. But when the medal was placed around my neck, it was pure joy. Walking through the line of volunteers, high-fiving and clapping, was such an emotional moment. The warmth of their congratulations made the achievement feel even more special. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Reflections on the journey
While my marathon times have improved over the years, the biggest sense of achievement comes from completing each Major. Each race felt like another step toward that final goal, collecting all six stars.
Each Major has its own unique charm. The Boston Marathon holds a special place in my heart, but the Berlin Marathon stands out as my favourite. It’s fast, familiar, and home to my personal best, a race I’ve run three years in a row. The beauty of the Abbott World Marathon Majors is that each one offers something different, from electric crowds to stunning scenery, making the entire journey unforgettable.
What’s Next?
For now, I’ll be shifting my focus to shorter races like 10Ks and half marathons such as the notable SuperHalf series, before setting my sights on the next big challenge. The journey doesn’t stop here, and I can’t wait to see where the road takes me next and turning my attention to the Valencia marathon later this year which could start with an 18-week training block.
Thinking about running the Tokyo Marathon? For the first time, we’re opening pre-registration to the wider running community, allowing you to secure your spot at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon with a deposit, no ballot entry or qualifying time required.
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