【Report】Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2023 Para Athlete (Wheelchair) Race

The Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2023, which is being held for the second time, kicked off with the wheelchair division at 7:45 a.m.(JST). Unfortunately, the weather was rainy with a temperature of 19 Degrees Celsius.

Since this year’s race is being held in conjunction with the MGC (Marathon Grand Championship), the wheelchair race was held on a different course from the previous year, starting at the Japan National Stadium and ending in Jinbocho.

■Suzuki shows strong point on the rainy race

In the men’s wheelchair race which included 8 athletes, last year’s winner Tomoki Suzuki (Toyota) achieved a consecutive win with a time of 43:40. He took the lead from the beginning, running solo, and recorded a time that was more than 4 minutes faster than the second place finisher, Sho Watanabe (TOPPAN). Suzuki crossed the finish line with both arms in the air.

He reflected on the race. “My goal was to break the world record (38:32), but it was hard to increase speed in the rain. It’s disappointing, because I think the course has the potential for a new world record under sunny conditions. I focused on maintaining my own pace from the beginning. The incline at the beginning was tough, but I was able to pick up speed in the decline.”

Racers (racing wheelchairs) are pedaled by hitting the rings (hand rim) next to the tires with gloved hands. Rain makes it slippery, so athletes take various measures. While many add turpentine to their gloves to make them less slippery, Suzuki changed his rubber hand rim to metal, increasing the friction against the rubber gloves.

Suzuki usually does not like racing in the rain, but he reflected on the race. “I was able to find a way to deal with the rain.” He also commented about his new racer and committed to further improvements toward the upcoming marathon season. “It’s easy to maintain my pace and race.”

Sho Watanabe (TOPPAN) placed second with a time of 47:59 and Hiroki Nishida (Baccarat Pacific) came in third at 48:00 even.

■Kina records her first win

In the wheelchair women’s field, 4 athletes participated, with last year’s winner Wakako Tsuchida (will raise) and second place finisher Tsubasa Kina (Ryukyu Sport Support) racing head-to-head all throughout the race. Both finished with a time of 52:45, but Kina was the winner, crossing the finish line with a slight lead.

Visibility was very bad due to the rain with the puddles adding to the challenge, and Kina reflected on the race. “I had hoped to record a better time.” Asked about her first win, she shared her enthusiasm and commented. “Emotionally, it’s more like we overcame the obstacles together, rather than me winning against Tsuchida. ”

Tsuchida seemed to have learned something from the challenging race and commented. ”I had hoped to be more aggressive, but it was tough to race in the rain since it had been awhile. I was able to overcome some things by being able to race with Kina who has speed.” In addition, she shared her appreciation. “I am truly thankful for all those who cheered us on early in the morning with all this rain.”

Wheelchair Race Director Masazumi Soejima reflected on the race. “It’s unfortunate that athletes were not able to aim for a record due to the rain, since the course is basically downhill, and conducive to a new record. I’m sure the athletes are disappointed as well.” The course will return to the original course next year, but he shared “I hope athletes will continue to target good finish times.”

Be sure to enjoy the great speed and excitement that are made possible with racers next year.