On the day before the Tokyo Marathon 2025, Saturday, March 1, the Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run 2025, a fun run event aimed at fostering hospitality and exchange for foreign residents and runners from overseas was held in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. A total of 1,185 participants from 55 countries and regions joined the event.

This was the 12th Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run that began in 2012 as a fun run event to foster relationships between runners from Japan and overseas. Starting and finishing at the Taito Riverside Sports Center Athletics Stadium located close to the Kaminarimon gate of Senso-ji Temple, which is part of the Tokyo Marathon course, the runners enjoyed the scenic course of approximately 5 km along the Sumida River, from where you can also see the Tokyo Skytree. As with last year, the Pace-setters were members of the track and field team from Taito Municipal Asakusa Junior High School and selected ONE TOKYO members.

The opening was hosted by MC and commentator Koyata Aso, along with Tokyo Marathon Foundation's Sports Legacy Program Charity Ambassador M Takashi, who livened up the event with their talks. The Friendship Run also began with a performance by the Komazawa University Athletic Association Cheerleading Club, Blue Pegasus, who cheered on the runners with their energetic cheering performance!

The participating runners were divided into three groups, starting at different times, and each group ran the course through Asakusa and along the Sumida River. Not only were there runners who would be running in the full Tokyo Marathon the following day, but there were also many foreign families who participated, including children.

In group 1, former women's marathon world record holders Paula Radcliffe and Tegla Loroupe, Barcelona Olympic silver medalist and Atlanta Olympic bronze medalist Yuko Arimori and Tokyo Marathon Race Director Yasuhiro Oshima all participated as guest runners. They enjoyed the Friendship Run while interacting with the general runners.

Another highlight of the Friendship Run was the "Asakusa Experience" after the finish. Pre-registered international runners had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through activities such as rickshaw rides, Kimekomi woodwork making, and a traditional tea ceremony.

Brothers Wayne and Bradley from London were trying their hand with kimekomi woodwork. Wayne smiled as he finished his billfold, saying, "I'm giving it to my wife as a present." Meanwhile, his younger brother Bradley joked, "It was difficult because it was detailed work, but it was fun. Well, I made it for myself (laughs)." The brothers also shared their impressions of their experience in Asakusa. It was their first visit to Japan, and they seemed to be full of anticipation for the Tokyo Marathon the next day, saying, "We are looking forward to seeing the view from the course tomorrow and seeing all the people involved in the event!"

Meanwhile, Japanese runners also seemed to have deepened their connections with overseas runners through the Friendship Run. Kiyoshi Ono, who participated with friends, said, "I gave these presents as a form of international exchange, and the recipients were very happy," and showed us some stickers designed with the flags of various countries. Ono will be taking part in the Tokyo Marathon as a volunteer. Atsuko Shioya also showed us a lovely handmade bracelet, saying, "I quickly became friends with someone from Greece, and they even gave me this present."

The Japanese culture experience at the Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run 2025 was made possible with the support of many people, including the Asakusa Merchants Association, Kakinuma (tea ceremony), Ebisuya (rickshaws), and Hakocho (kimekomi woodwork). We hope that in 2026, we will be able to continue to offer hospitality and exchanges with foreign residents and runners from overseas, and hold more fun and exciting events.

Thank you so much to all the runners who took part.