[Report]Japan’s largest running trade show “Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2024” has begun! | Tokyo Marathon 2024

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In preparation for the “Tokyo Marathon 2024” to be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation has opened Japan’s largest running trade show “Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2024” at Tokyo Big Sight. .

The opening ceremony, which began with a spectacular calligraphy performance by calligrapher and artist Yuna Okanishi that powerfully depicts “Tokyo,” was attended by Itaru Fukuda, Managing Executive Officer of Tokyo Subway Co., Ltd., Tokyo Marathon 2024 Official Image, representing the official partners. Kenchi Tachibana of EXILE THE SECOND, who sang the song “Winner,” Okanishi, who gave a calligraphy performance, and Tokyo Marathon Foundation Chairman Tadaaki Hayano attended. President Hayano, who spoke on behalf of the organizers, first expressed his condolences to those affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and then distributed Ishikawa Prefecture’s famous sweets as school lunches at water stations along the course. He stated that the Tokyo Marathon Foundation will support the event by setting up donation boxes at EXPO 2024, holding a charity virtual run, and holding a charity auction.

Chairman Hayano also touched on the concept expressed in the main visual for this year’s event, “Tokyo, My favorite place…” and said, “After the Tokyo Marathon is over, how can everyone enjoy Tokyo?” I think anything is fine, whether it’s to run or to live.That feeling is also reflected in the three dots at the end.Also, I hope you enjoy the three days of EXPO, which is supported by many partners and volunteers. Please do so,” he called out to the participating runners.

Next, Tachibana-san, Okanishi-san, and others joined in to unveil the gate. When the gates opened at 10 a.m. on a clear day, many runners from both Japan and abroad who had gathered since early in the morning were greeted with applause from volunteers and staff members as they registered for the race. This year’s event, like last year, had a capacity of 38,000 runners participating. Many overseas runners and their families visited from the first day of the EXPO.

“Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2024” will include the “Official Partner Zone” of the tournament’s premier partner Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., major partners Starts Corporation Co., Ltd., ASICS Japan Co., Ltd., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., as well as “co-sponsor media”. There will be 85 booths set up in areas such as “Tokyo Community Zone” and “Tokyo Community Zone,” where you can enjoy a variety of content including sales of the latest sports gear and sports apparel, and many demonstrations.

Among them, the ASICS booth was so popular that there was a long line from first thing in the morning. In addition to exhibiting and selling tournament-limited T-shirts and shoes, there was also an experience corner where you could try out the new shoes before they went on sale. When I spoke to Mr. Watanabe from Tokyo, who was actually taking a test run on the treadmill, he said, “I came to EXPO in the morning because this was my goal and I couldn’t wait anymore.It felt really good. I’m almost ready to buy it (lol),” she says with a smile. He also said that he ran the Tokyo Marathon two years in a row, last year and the year before, and said, “Especially last year, runners from overseas were able to run, so I realized once again that it is an extremely large-scale event. I also ran the Legacy Half Marathon, and I really enjoyed the unusual feeling of being able to run in the heart of a big city, close to the Sky Tree, and Tokyo Tower,” he said of the appeal of the event. Unfortunately, he was not included in the entry lottery this year, so he is aiming to run again next year.

On the other hand, at the Tokyo Metro booth, uniformed station staff and Metopon, a character supporting local communities along the line, welcomed visitors, and the event was very popular with many visitors asking for commemorative photos. In addition, at the booth of Seiko Group Co., Ltd., which has been the official timer since the first race, there will be a spot where you can display your target time on a timer and take a commemorative photo. The runners taking part in the race on the 3rd posed for photos with their target times.

When I approached Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura, who were participating as a couple at the Seiko Group Co., Ltd. booth, their wife said, “This is my first full marathon.My goal time is just 5 hours.” Originally, the couple wanted to participate in the Tokyo Marathon to commemorate the husband’s 50th birthday, but only the wife won. The couple seemed a little disappointed that they couldn’t participate in the commemorative race together, but said, “I think it will be a great memory for me to have my first marathon in Tokyo.I ran the half in September and October, and then the second marathon.” I completed a 30km run in January. I think I’m fully prepared, so I just want to finish the run!”, his wife is very motivated. On the day of the race, her husband, who was in charge of support, will be visiting each checkpoint to cheer her on. He says, “I want you to do your best to reach your goal time. I’ve already decided on a reward meal after the race, so we’ll have some delicious beer together.” I hope I can drink it again,” he said, cheering.

In addition, the Starts Corporation booth will introduce footage of the actual Tokyo Marathon 2024 course with commentary, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.’s Pocari Sweat booth will show questions such as “When?” and “What kind of nutrition should I take right before and during the race?” Displays useful information such as “Is this true?” In the general exhibitor zone, there were booths promoting Japanese culture such as festivals and public baths, adding to the international flavor of the EXPO.

Additionally, the Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), which are six of the world‘s most famous and large-scale marathon events, along with Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Completing an AbbottWMM race is a great honor not only for elite runners, but also for ordinary runners around the world, and runners who complete all six races within the time limit for each race are named Six Star Finishers (*1). )” and will be awarded a commemorative Six Star medal. At last year’s Tokyo Marathon 2023, 3,033 runners became Six Star Finishers, setting the Guinness World Record for the most Six Star medals in a single marathon event. This year as well, many runners aiming to achieve the “Six Star Finisher” status at the Tokyo Marathon, or to complete the next six events, visited the Abbott World Marathon Majors booth, deepening interactions with fellow runners around the world. (*1) Runners who completed all six marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City Marathons within the time limit for each race.

Not only runners but also many volunteers came to Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2024 from the first day. At the runner reception desk, volunteers who are participating for the first time in this race and senior volunteers who have participated in many races in a row work together to support runners from both Japan and overseas with smiles. A volunteer reception desk was also set up for volunteers working on the day of the race, and the venue was filled with the same enthusiasm and motivation of the volunteers as the runners to help make the race a success.

At the volunteer reception desk, banners are available to say “thank you” to the volunteers who support the event. If you are planning to visit, please write a message of thanks to all the volunteers.

Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2024, which can be enjoyed by a variety of people including running enthusiasts, will be held until March 2nd (Saturday). Last admission will be at 17:30 on the last day, so please arrive with plenty of time!