Joseph Lothringer's Staging Area

I have run 40 marathons including the 6 majors, so I have some data points for comparison. Overall, the Tokyo Marathon was a positive experience with some significant negatives too.

NEGATIVES: Getting these out of the way first: The health tracking cell phone app was a source of considerable frustration and anxiety. It crashed on me three times, giving me the white screen of death. One crash was when entering the expo – which caused me to spend 45 minutes at the help desk getting it reinstalled and functional. Other people I spoke to had similar issues, though most did not. Based on a very limited sample size, I’d estimate the failure rate to be about 5%. Fortunately, even though the app crashed the morning of the race, it sprang back to life at the race entrance, avoiding my worst case scenario of being denied the opportunity to run. However, since I got to the starting area about 7:15 to give plenty of time to resolve app issues, I spent 2 hours in the cold. Hopefully, for all involved, the app will not be required next year.

The expo was a major disappointment (for reference I arrived about 11:00 Thursday). After spending 45 minutes at the help disk fighting with the app, I spent about an hour in line to get the bib. Since all international runners were assigned to lanes 15-21, the lines were long and slow. Lanes 1 to 14 were virtually empty – very annoying.

The lines to enter the merchandise areas were so long I didn’t even attempt to enter. The line to pick up the race tee shirt was probably and hour long. Proof of purchase, using another cell phone app I assume, was required. Glad I didn’t order the shirt. The expo is configured in a manner that you must walk through the entire concourse (similar to an IKEA).

On race morning I got in line for a block of toilets (labeled as “western style”) an hour before the corrals closed. I eventually made it with about 5 minutes to spare. These toilets were near the D and E corrals, so toilets elsewhere in the starting area may had shorter lines. They have toilet monitors that direct people to the next available toilet as they come open.

POSITIVES: The race itself was exceptionally well organized and run. Even though there was no sort of wave start, the wide streets (often 6 lanes, no less than 3) allowed enough room to move around slower runners without too much trouble. Within 1 or 2 km I had hit my stride and could maintain my pace without problems. There were no pot holes or tripping hazards anywhere on the course (median strips excepted). I appreciated the countdown to the finish, with I km markers starting 5 km from the finish line.

The course itself was nothing to write home about – several out-and-back sections through a dense city landscape. It was fun to see the elite runners go by on the opposite side. It was very sad to see some of the trailing runners getting swept up.

The water stops were well organized, and each had a small army of volunteers. Tables were in 5 sets, with the intent of having those with bib numbers ending in 1&2 stop at one set, 3&4 at the next, etc. I’m not sure how many adhered to this policy. There were separate sets of tables for water and Pocari Sweat. Not being allowed to carry water bottles or running packs made water stops a requirement. Pocari Sweat was a very good sports drink for me, as good or better than any others I’ve had. I had bought some in advance to try out before the race.

The finish was well organized with another army of volunteers to assist. It was a bit of a hike, but not too different from NYC. I got a bag with a water bottle and some Pocari Sweat to start with. Then farther down the line got some sports gel, and a tangerine. Then there was the clothing pickup area. Next came the thermal blankets, and finally the hooded terry cloth robes that are unique to Tokyo. At the end were a group of changing tents before the exit to the meet & greet area and bus access.

So in summary – a well organized race made possible by a huge army of friendly helpful volunteers. I would have enjoyed it more without the anxiety about the health tracking app, but that was largely due to my own attitude problem. Don’t set your heart on a thrilling expo experience, and plan on 3-4 hours just to take care of the basics. But if you can afford the expense, I recommend this race experience.