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On 1st March 2026, I completed Tokyo Marathon for the second time. The first time I completed the marathon in 2023 (Tokyo Marathon 2023) I also picked up an Abbot World Marathon Majors medal. It is an incredible journey to become a Six Star Finisher, and I wrote about how you become a Six Star finisher in 2023. But guess what… if you do all the 6 World Marathon Majors again (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York) then they give you another medal… and once again I became a Six Star Finisher in Tokyo. This was my 5th Marathon of 2026, my 183rd Marathon, 2nd Six star medal and 38th World Marathon Major.

I will be honest. This is going to be it for a while. Even if I do Tokyo again (and if money was not an issue I would come every year as I just love Tokyo) it would not matter, as the biggest barrier for me now becomes Boston again. Covid helped me run Boston twice. First of all, without the ability to run marathons all the time, I actually trained sensibly, and in 2021 I PB’d 3 times. Taking my time from 2013 of 3:08, which I hadn’t been near for years, to 3:00. With the fall out from covid there was 2 years of a 0 second qualifying time (meaning if you hit your time you were in). Plus, with the change of dates for races, my race in November 2021 counted for 2 years, and I took full advantage. I am not in PB shape, and I don’t really have desire right now for it, although I do love Boston so will need to think about it in the future if I want to go back.

Unfortunately my family could not join me because the dates don’t work for the kids. We will go as a family one day and will go for 10 days or something to really take in everything, but for now, when going alone, I try to make it as “cheap” and quick as possible. So I set off on Thursday morning, arriving Friday morning. Then I’m leaving tonight (after marathon) at 01:00, which means I will arrive 06:45 same day. If you are thinking of Tokyo, but the flight price scares you, just note, when you are here, the hotels and everything is much cheaper than any of the other Majors. So the longer you are here, the more economical it is. The flight however is the most expensive flight I’ve ever booked.

Because I landed so early I had 6 hours before I could check in. I tried asking at hotel, but they were very strict. They said it was possible, but you are charged by the hour, and with 6 hours it was basically half the price of a night so I just left my luggage and got to the expo. These days I’m quick at expo. There was lots there and much better than in 2023, they have recovered from covid and there were so many more things, and it is always well organised in Japan. But simply, I don’t need more stuff. In addition, I knew I could try my luck at the asics flagship store (which I did the next day) they had all items there, in all sizes, but the difference is you don’t have to wait an hour in queue to see if they have what you want, plus you get tax free, which you don’t at the expo.

The rest of my time on Friday and Saturday was spent exploring.

Eating lots of food, and drinking lots of beer. The food here is just amazing, and the beer is cheap. I know it’s not ideal race preparation, but I wasn’t racing, I was here for the experience.

I woke up really early on Saturday because of the jet lag, so I started my day with a nice 5 mile run. Then I spent the day in Shibuya and went to Harajuka shopping. This place is intense. It’s the busiest city I have ever been to. I know my family would love it, it has everything, and I spent too much money on gifts for the family, but they are worth it. Just hope I can get it back now.

I stayed out later than intended and walked 35k steps on Saturday, but I was in no rush. When I got back to the hotel I did my flat lay, got some more food, then just relaxed.

Tokyo Marathon 2026

The marathon starts at 09:10, which is a good time in my opinion. Not to early that you have to get up at a stupid time, but not to late that you are waiting around to long. You get a free travel pass for 24 hours, but I was disappointed when they charged me the other end, luckily I had money with me. It wasn’t expensive, about a 1 pound journey, but the pass is really useless. It only covers you on the metro line, and the underground system is filled with different operators. Ironically the main station by the start is operated by a private firm, so it was filled with marathon runners having to queue up to pass because they expected the pass to work.

The organisation is amazing. Slick queues everywhere and look at this toilet queuing system. You are not allowed to bring bottles of water in but there is water and electrolyte by this section. I was 90 minutes early so just waited around for the start.

The start is a little congested, and probably my only real criticism. After a few 100 metres we almost came to a complete stop, but it spread out over the next few miles.

Aid stations at least every 5km which were well stocked and organised. Toilets every few 100 metres, well sign posted. There were volunteers everywhere holding bags for rubbish. It is just a really well organised and executed event.

My previous experience was that the crowd support wasn’t great, but this year was a real difference. People everywhere, and towards the end I accepted some cups of coke from supporters, which always helps me.

I had no real race goals, only that I would do a sub 4. I set out at a 3:30 pace and it felt ok, and I finished half marathon on time for a 3:30. But my legs were tired as this is my 5th Marathon this year. I also don’t have motivation to run, and honestly I would rather pace. I only ran it at my own pace as I was not selected as a pacer. I know many pacers like to do their own events and mix it up, but I would always prefer to pace, even if I have my own place already. So after half way I just eased up. I slowed a little too much, so after about 30km I had to pick up the pace a little to ensure I was comfortable for a sub 4.

My unofficial time is 03:53:21. The finish is probably the worst part of the event. I loved the race, but once you cross the line you join a really long queue to get items. You cannot get past, and you cannot get any water for a while. I would suggest water needs to be given out sooner, as especially on a hit day, many just needed to have a drink.

So here it is, my second Tokyo Marathon medal and second World Marathon Majors medal. Now, time for beer.