In March this year, Tokyo was temporarily affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but now the city is back on its feet and welcoming many visitors from around the world. We are delighted that now, thanks to the wonderful support and commitment we have received from everyone involved in the Tokyo Marathon, we are in a position to move forward with our preparations for the 2012 event.
Every year, the Tokyo Marathon is becoming more popular with foreign runners who enjoy tackling the course in the heart of our thriving metropolis of 13 million people. With major roads in the city center closed to traffic, the course takes in popular tourist sites such as Shinjuku, the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Asakusa. Along the way, runners are encouraged and supported by a traditional Japanese festival atmosphere. At the finish, we provide Ningyo-yaki cakes, dried plums and bananas, foods which are unique to the Tokyo Marathon. This year, on the day before the main event, we will hold for the first time an "International Friendship Run" for runners from overseas and also their friends and family. We will also be holding the Tokyo Marathon Expo 2012, starting three days before the main race. Runners can register at the Expo, which will also include exhibitions, stalls and other events for everyone to enjoy.
Up until to August 31, runners can apply to run the Tokyo Marathon 2012 through our official website at http://www.tokyo42195.org/
Runners living outside Japan can book the Tokyo marathon tours through Kinki Nippon Tourist, an official sponsor of the Tokyo Marathon with branches in 28 countries around the world. The tours, available at http://www.tokyo42195.org/2012_en/tour_Info, are scheduled to remain on sale until the end of November.
