【Report】Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2032 Para Athlete (T11/12) / (T46) Race

Vision impairment (T11/T12) and upper limb impairment (T46) Para Athletes started along with the elite and General runners at 9:50 a.m.(JST). This year, the race took place on a 21.0975km course that started from “in front” of the Japan National Stadium (Gaien Nishi Dori) and finished in the Japan National Stadium under rainy conditions.

■Kenya Karasawa Defended his royal spot

In the men’s visual impairment (T11/T12) class, Kenya Karasawa (T11/SUBARU) who won last year with a new world record (1:08:30) won again with a time of 1:09:20.

“I’m glad to have won again this year, but I was hoping to set a new world record again , so I’m disappointed not to have achieved that. I hope to avenge myself if I’m able to run again next year.”

For Karasawa who is completely blind, the slippery conditions in the rain are quite frightening and made him very cautious. Having to constantly adjust his speed contributed to a slower time but added to his fatigue.

And yet he seemed to have gained something as well. “My pace wasn’t that different from last year, and I was able to keep going in the middle, so it was a race that allowed my practice to come through.”

■New world record!

In the women’s visual impairment (T11/T12) class, Misato Michishita (T12/Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance) won her first race with a time of 1:24:48. This was a new world record for the T12 women’s half marathon. She was disqualified last year despite running at a world record pace because her guide runner crossed the finish line before her, so it took her 2 years to win with a new record.

Michishita smiled widely as she commented. “I wanted to finish well because Para Athletes can be the focus (when running with other runners), yet I was disappointed (because of the disqualification) last year. I stood at the starting gate, committed to finishing this year. My guide Shida ran with me again this year, and I’m glad we were able to avenge ourselves. We were able to strengthen our bond.” She thanked Shida immediately after the race.

Guide runner Shida commented with an expression of relief. “I was very frustrated, so I feel like we finally reached the finish, and I am so grateful that Michishita chose me again. The guide runner’s role is to make sure the athlete reaches the finish no matter what, so I’m very relieved.”

Michishita reflected on her race. “I was concerned due to the rain and my body wasn’t moving very smoothly at the beginning, but Shida gave me good verbal guidance which helped us to secure the world record. This is just a passing point (toward the marathon season). I was able to confirm that I’ve been able to practice well.” We look forward to her future accomplishments, not that she has a stronger bond with Shida.

■Bronze Medalist express his LEGACY by run the rainy race

In the upper limb impairment (T46) class, Tsutomu Nagata (Niigata Track & Field Association) won with a time of 1:10:57. Nagata won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games, but the T46 marathon will not be included in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. As a result, he had switched to Para Triathlon just before this race.

“I was the only T46 athlete, but I am very thankful to have been invited to this race. I have decided to switch to the Para Triathlon, and I’m committing myself to swimming and bicycling practice, while also aiming for a new world record in the marathon by March of next year. I participated in this race hoping to confirm the results of my practice and my current condition, and I achieved good results as well as identified my issues. I hope to carry this over to my future marathons.”

At the press conference on October 13, Nagata had commented on hoping to stimulate other athletes with similar upper limb impairments to challenge themselves. His double challenge for the marathon and triathlon is sure to stimulate many people.

Race Management Director/ Assistant Race Director Kaoru Shijo shared his review of the Para Athlete race. “The athletes ran really well despite the bad weather conditions. We hope to continue to provide a race that challenges Para Athletes, so that they can continue to enhance their records.”

We look forward to welcoming many more ParaAthletes again next year.