On February 18, 30,000 professional and amateur runners ran the streets of Japan's capital in the 2007 Tokyo Marathon.

It has long been a goal in Tokyo to create a marathon that can be compared to the other great marathon races around the world
(New York, Boston, London, Chicago, and Berlin), and like those other races, one in which both pros and amateurs can compete.
That goal was finally reached with this year's running.

In addition to being the largest marathon in Japan, this year's race was closely watched by marathon fans because it also included a 10K race for both men and women, a full marathon for wheelchair racers, and a 10K race for disabled participants. The thrill of running through the streets of Ginza and other famous sites of the city drew 95,000 people to apply for the race, out of which 35,000 were able to participate.

The course started at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government complex in Shinjuku and the finish line for the full marathon was Tokyo Big Site in Ariake (the 10K course ended at Hibiya Park). Along the way, the course also allowed participants to go on a mini sightseeing tour of the city as it passed many famous sites including the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji Temple, Ginza, Nihombashi, the Kaminari Gate in Asakusa, and the Tsukiji Fish Market. Some runners were even spotted taking photos with friends in front of the Imperial Palace.

Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of the event, but after the starting gun was set off by Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro, many runners turned to the governor to say “thank you” and express their gratitude. Governor Ishihara smiled widely as he waved at the runners to wish them a good race.

Despite the weather, the road was lined with 1.8 million people who turned out to cheer on the runners. The race was also helped by 10,000 volunteers who handed out water and light snacks for the runners and made sure the course was clear as they passed.

As the runners reached their destinations
at Hibiya Park or Tokyo Big Site, their excitement at finishing was apparent in
their happy and relieved expressions.
In all, 97% of the runners were able to finish in the regulation 7 hours allotted for the race.

I hope this article has inspired you to participate Tokyo's newest event when it comes around next year. It's more than just running a race.
The marathon is a perfect opportunity to discover how wonderful Tokyo really is.
What better way to learn about a city than to run its streets?

Put on your running shoes and set you sights on Tokyo in February 2008!