Raymond Braun Instagram – 🇯🇵🏃🏻Tokyo Marathon Recap & Takeaways
🫂 It’s all about the people.
This is the second marathon I’ve run as a guide for @chrisnikic. I can’t think of a better way to do a marathon than with friends. Chris is so present and lifts everyone’s energy. We had so many positive, encouraging interactions with fellow runners and spectators. These are the memories I will cherish most.
I’m always grateful to connect with friends I’ve made through the running 🌎 and to meet new people. It was especially exciting to reunite with a few @sohohouserunclub runners!
🗼The #TokyoMarathon has a distinct, beautiful energy.
This wasn’t a hyped-up, boisterous marathon. I can count on one hand the number of times we heard music blasting. The crowd wasn’t dense. The overall tone felt respectful, reverent, and open-hearted. Many volunteers waved handwritten signs and offered homemade snacks (I had a delicious rice ball and many Japanese sweets). I loved seeing the unique anime costumes and beautiful cultural performances. There were groups doing traditional dances and drumming, which brought a visceral pulse to the race that I felt in my chest.
🫧 This was the cleanest course I’ve ran, which tracks with the respect for public places so inherent to Japanese culture.
There are strict rules around aid stations, litter, and what you can bring on course. You can get DQ’d for dropping a gel or water cup outside of designated areas.
📝 Logistics:
1️⃣ If you are in a later corral, be mindful that there are several cut off points, based on the start time of the marathon *not* your individual start.
2️⃣ There aren’t as many bathrooms as in other races, and lines for most porta potties. Some bathrooms are located a few mins walk off the course.
3️⃣ For the first half of the marathon, very few aid stations offer on-course nutrition.
4️⃣ Bring layers for a spectrum of weather.
5️⃣ Official merch sells out fast — arrive early at the Expo.
✈️ Allow time to enjoy the magical food, culture, and history in Tokyo.
Japanese culture has a deep respect and appreciation for running, and I felt that sense of gravitas. I LOVED this trip and can’t wait to return. #TOKYOMYFAVORITEPLACE | Posted on 10/Mar/2024 20:42:12
