Sports Talk

How I finally got into a Japanese marathon as a foreigner friend's helper!

Many people from overseas ask me how to run a marathon in Japan, so I share what I learned helping my friend from Australia!

The big city marathons like Tokyo use a lottery, and it is very popular, so the chance is small. Don't plan your whole holiday around winning it!

There are also charity entries, which cost more but are much more certain, and tour packages from travel agencies that include a place. My friend used a package in the end.

Smaller local races are often much easier to enter and the atmosphere is so warm! People stand outside their houses and give you sweets, pickled plums, sometimes even miso soup!

Please check the official race website for each race, the rules change every year. If you have questions, ask me, I love this topic!