Race: Tokyo Marathon 2023

Runner: Kim-Anh Nguyen

Race Date: 03/05/2023

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Results: 4:02:29

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

• The organization
• The volunteers
• The course

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

• The expo (super disorganized and chaotic!)
• The lack of info leading up to the race
• The many restrictions we had to abide with

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Was able to keep my breathing easy

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Like for any other race, don’t go out too fast because of all the excitement!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Start way slower

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

• The first 5km are downhill, so take your time. Also, the GPS signal isn’t accurate because of the tall buildings, so for people that use a watch to pace themselves, maybe wear a time wristband
• They have pretty severe cut-off points along the course. If you don’t get to those points by a certain time, the bus sweeps you and you don’t get to finish. I think the max time to complete the race is 7hrs (GUN time)

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Mainly flat with very short uphills

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Race day was so smooth! Before was another story

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Getting into the Tokyo Marathon is notoriously difficult. I went through via charity

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

15 aid stations with Pocari Sweat offered every 5km. Some food and candy at some points, but didn’t want to try anything new. Very well organized.

Weather and typical race conditions

Was a nice cool day, cloudy with some sun. Windy at some points.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

No water bottles allowed into the race. Nothing. Have to rely on the course aid stations.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes!

How’s the Swag?

The medal is beautiful

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

9/10, definitely recommend (aside from the expo)