2009 rumblings…
4 07 2008Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in..
Yes it seems that there are murmerings of a new assault on the Tokyo Marathon event in 2009. Some of the irregulars from here are limbering up. Anyone else interested … comment and I’ll set you up an account here to blog your progress.
-Paul
Hey I’m thinking of trying a marathon, and found out about the Tokyo one next year. I’ve been on a diet and have set a marathon as one long term goal. I’d also love to do it before I turn 40 in a few years. I’m wondering what it’s going to be like to run your first marathon, and also if you have any experience running the Tokyo marathon I’d love to hear about it. Thanks.
Hi Camilo
You sound like you are in a very similar position to most of us who started this blog a couple of years ago. Approaching 40 and keen to get in shape, with a definite goal.
The short answer to what’s it like, is … it’s hard but it’s possible ! Regular training, starting well before ( 6 months~ ) the event and building up gradually is probably the key.
The long answer ? You could do worse than starting at the beginning !
I’ve just got back form Tokyo and loved it. I’m thinking about doing Tokyo Marathon 2009 as my 3rd marathon and my first international race.
All the best with your training – hope to see you there.
Amanda
Hello!
I’m a 29yo italian boy. I’ve already finished a marathon (NYC) last november 2007 and I would love to be accepted in the Tokyo Marathon but I’m quite scared of the lottery!!! Is it really so hard to be picked-up? 30.000 partecipnats on 150.000 requests? Almost impossible. And for me the chance to be in Tokyo are very few since I pre-registered togheter with my girlfriend and we want to go there togheter. That’s why if someone of us is not accepted also the other will stay home
So awful!!!
Ciao from Italy!!!
Hi Luca
Not sure what the odds of being selected are. Curiously, most of the foreigners ( me included, of course ) I know that applied for the 2007 Tokyo Marathon were accepted, whereas quite a few local Japanese I knew did not get in. I am not sure if there is a seperate “quota” for foreign competitors. Good luck in the draw. Even if only one of you gets accepted I am sure the “other one” can enjoy Tokyo and the race itself.
Hi Paul, I am 26 from Singapore. Keen in joining the Tokyo Marathon.. My friend and I will try our luck on the draw. We ran a few marathons in SIN, but we are from a country with HOT seasons throughout the year. Not so sure whether can we adapt to the climat in JP.
Any guildlines or pointers?
Jack from SIN
Hello Jack
Our good friend ( and contributor to this site ) Christoph trained while living in Singapore. I think he was fine in the Tokyo marathon, but for the rain ! This was a problem for everyone though. Wet feet for 42Km is really not fun. I hope 2009 will be dry, even if colder than you are used to. Good luck in the draw.
Hi Paul,
It is good to know that. But we used to run in singlets and short running shorts~ (it is very short)..
But i saw the photos of 2008 marathon.. everyone is running in long pants and long sleeves.. what is the temperature like?
It is always good to know the weather~
Jackie
Temperature is variable ( much more so than Singapore ! ) but may be from 0 to 15 degrees around March. You’d be well advised to check closer to the event for the forecast, before planning what to pack. In 2007 ( you can see the pics somewhere down this page .. ) it was raining hard too. Having said that, what you wear will also depend on your pace. Plenty of runners in 2007 were wearing just shorts and shirt – they just made their own heat by running fast. Slower runners ( thats me … ) were well served by long running trousers, long sleeved shirt, hat and even a raincoat. I really wish I had had waterproof running shoes too.
I’ve been in Tokyo for 7 years and have decided that it’s time I run the marathon. I’m over 50 now and have always been active and in shape, but have only been a runner for a year. Any advice for training? I’d love it if anyone has any great routes around the City that are good for training. I’ll be training whether I get in or not, as there are other races.
Ok people I’m training. My friends think I’m insane. Who else is in?
Also, does anyone know of a link to 10K info in Japan? I live in Nagoya and heard a rumour about a 10K here in December. If you have any info please let me know. Thanks.
Yay ! got a place – how did everyone else go ? – would be great to catch up with other runners.
All the best with training : )
Amanda
I got accepted to the marathon (2009) and am wondering what the sports drink served on course is. I’d like to start drinking it during my practice runs. Can anyone help?
Thanks. Ted
Hi Ted, congratulations on being accepted. If I remember from the 2007 event it was something like Amino Value, who were one of the sponsors … and there was plenty of it.