The Tokyo Marathon 2026 Fan Meeting was held on Friday, February 27, 2026, two-day before the race, for the first time at Tokyo Big Sight, which drew a crowd of around 150 marathon fans. The event was a huge success, featuring a talk session and a raffle with the invited athletes, allowing for direct interaction.
As the invited athletes passed through the central walkway among the audience and entered while high-fiving the crowd, there was a roar of applause and cheering.
In the men’s field, TAKELE, Tadese (Ethiopia), the defending champion from overseas, OSAKO, Suguru (LI-NING), a national record holder with a time of 2:04:55 set in December last year as well as SUZUKI, Kengo (Yokohama Athletics Association), the former national record holder from Japan took the stage for the talk session. In the women’s field, KEBEDE, Sutume Asefa (Ethiopia), who aims for her third consecutive title, from overseas and HOSODA, Ai (EDION), who will be running her last run in this race, from Japan took the stage.
At first, OSHIMA, Yasuhiro, Race Director, greeted, “I’m so thrilled to have such talented athletes here, and I think I’m the happiest one of all,” welcoming the gathering of the top-tier athletes. He gave an avid look, stating “OSAKO and SUZUKI, I’m really looking forward to the showdown between the new and former Japanese record holders.” As for the women’s field, he commented “KEBEDE, I’m hoping for a three-peat” and sent words of encouragement to HOSODA who will run her final race, “I hope you will set a record of sub 2:20.”
SUZUKI, who will run his first marathon after turning professional last fall, expressed his enthusiasm, “I’d like to get off to a good start.” When asked about his target time, he replied, “I won’t know until I try,” making a slightly troubled expression. “Given my age, I can’t go all-out aggressive anymore, but I’d love to try a race like that. I just love running, so I’d like to take on a challenge,” he continued, and the audience erupted into warm applause.
OSAKO who will take on a challenge within a tight timeframe after the Valencia Marathon in December last year, said “I will be entering the race with a quick turnaround, but my training is going well. As a new challenge, I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out,” seemingly keeping up the good momentum. Just like SUZUKI, OSAKO did not mention his target time either. “The beauty of marathons lies in the importance of strategy and tactics. When things get wild, that’s when my best side comes out and people truly see how fun the racing is,” OSAKO shared his thoughts.
TAKELE, who claimed the title last year with a time of 2:03:23, said, “I’m in good shape. I’ve laid the groundwork” and he is going into the race in perfect condition. About his target time, he strongly declared “I think I will be able to run with a time of sub 2:03,” and the audience broke into applause.
KEBEDE looked deeply moved in front of so many fans. “Thank you very much for organizing such a wonderful event. It really boosts my motivation,” she said with a smile. “Setting a new personal best. I’d like to push myself and break the record,” the women’s race record holder with a time of 2:15:55 will aim for three consecutive championships as well as a new race record.
“I’ve done everything I can to prepare. I want to give it my all and finish with no regrets. I’ll turn your cheers into my strength and do my very best,” HOSODA, who will be running the final race of her career, expressed her determination. “I hope I can have a race where I finish strong. To finish the last 2km with a smile,” she said about the race development, envisioning a successful final run.
After the talk session, the athletes drew the raffle tickets and livened up the event.
The weather forecast for race day is sunny with temperatures at 11 to 12 degrees Celsius at the start of the race.
〇Tokyo Marathon 2026 Fan Meeting
Streaming URL:
https://youtube.com/live/Dl_bAnO-Ki8
