【Report】Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2023 Press Conference (Para Athletes)

A Press Conference was held to introduce the runners for The Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2023 on Friday, October 13, 2 days before the race. This is the second time the race is being held.

First the invited athletes were introduced for the “Para Athlete T53/54 (wheelchair)” category. Unlike last year, the wheelchair race will be held on a special 21.0975km course that starts at the Japan National Stadium and finishes in Jinbocho.

Wheelchair Race Director Masazumi Soejima predicted a fast-paced race. “It’s a downhill course with a total 20m decline, so while it depends somewhat on weather conditions on the race day, I’m expecting a new course record.”

Next, last year’s winner in the men’s field Tomoki Suzuki (Toyota Motors) took the stage and shared his goal for a consecutive win. “My physical condition is very good. It will depend on the weather conditions, but I hope to set a good time. I look forward to enjoying the race.”

There are two invited athletes in the women’s field. Wakako Tsuchida (will raise) who is looking for a consecutive win from last year, shared her enthusiasm. “I am struggling this year, but my condition is improving gradually. I hope the race will allow me to break through (from my slump).” Tsubasa Kina (Ryukyu Sport Support) shared her motivation. “I am looking forward to the race since the course is downhill unlike last year. It will depend on weather conditions and how Tsuchida performs, but I hope to set a personal best.”

The wheelchair race will start at 7:45 a.m. (JST) on October 15. The world record for T54 men held by Suzuki is 38:32 (Marathon half way point in Oita) and the T54 women’s record held by Tsuchida and Kina is 47:55 (Marathon half way point in Oita). There is anticipation for a new record on the fast course.

In the following Press Conference for Para Athlete T11/12 (vision impairment), T46 (upper limb impairment), Race Management Director/ Assistant Race Director Kaoru Shijo explained, “We wanted to provide an opportunity for more ParaAthletes to participate and expand their potential by adding various categories this year.” In addition to the invited athletes, there are more than 30 ParaAthletes including intellectually impaired (T20) and vision impaired (T70) athletes entered in this year’s race.

The half marathon including ParaAthletes will be held on a 21.0975km course that starts in front of the Japan National Stadium (Gaien Nishi Dori) at 9:50 a.m. (JST) and finishes in the Japan National Stadium.

There are three invited athletes in the men’s field. Kenya Karasawa (SUBARU) who won last year with a world record for T11 of 1:08:30 spoke with great emphasis. “I hope to secure a consecutive win and set a new world record.”

Tadashi Horikoshi, T11 class (NTT WEST) commented “I’m really excited about racing on (part of) the Tokyo Paralympic course where I won the bronze.” Tsutomu Nagata, T46 class (Niigata Track & Field Association), who also won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games shared his enthusiasm. “I hope to run a race that stimulates the interest of other athletes with similar (upper limb) impairments to run a marathon.” Both athletes are aiming to finish well.

In the women’s field, Misato Michishita (Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group), the T12 class Gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, has been invited again this year. She shared her goal. “I am happy to be competing again. I want to finish well, and maybe aim for the world record if my condition is good.” We look forward to her running well, so that she can override the disappointment of racing at a world record pace only to be disqualified last year.

Please encourage the diverse Para Athletes who will be racing this year.