【Report】Press Conference (Para Athletes)

Celebrating a major milestone this year, the "Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2026" marks its 5th edition. On Friday, October 16, just two days before the race, a press conference welcoming invited athletes was held at the MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium).

Before the para-athlete press conference began, SOEJIMA, Masazumi, the Wheelchair Race Director expressed his deepest condolences following the recent loss of wheelchair runner UEYANOBARU, Hirokazu (aged 55), who passed away on September 26 due to injuries sustained in a training accident. Paying tribute, SOEJIMA stated: "It was so sudden, and I still cannot fully process it. We were the exact same age, and he was a runner who left a lasting impression with his gentle, cheerful personality. I pray from the bottom of my heart that he rests in peace."

At the para-athlete press conference, five invited athletes took to the stage to share their ambitions for the upcoming race. Among them were three elite contenders from the men’s T53/T54 wheelchair category. SUZUKI, Tomoki (Toyota Motor Corporation), eyeing a fifth consecutive victory, radiated fighting spirit: "During my summer training camp, I put in serious mileage, building the stamina needed to maintain a high-speed cruising pace. My sights are set on breaking the event record (42:19), and I want to deliver a race that truly showcases my evolution as an athlete."

YOSHIDA, Ryota (SUS), last year’s runner-up, outlined his focused strategy: "I'm still in the adjustment phase, fine-tuning my wheelchair settings and reviewing my form. However, my primary goal this time is to power strongly through that final uphill stretch and truly gauge where my current conditioning stands."

Last year's third-place finisher KISHIZAWA, Hiroki (Hitachi Solutions) expressed his enthusiasm: "I’ve been able to stack up some excellent training sessions, and my physical condition is prime. I’ve heavily focused on boosting my speed. I am ready to show everyone a fully upgraded, more powerful version of my run compared to last time."

Representing the three invited athletes in the women's T53/T54 wheelchair category, TSUCHIDA, Wakako (Willraise) took the stage. Now 52 years old, TSUCHIDA finished a close second last year after an intense battle to the line. "(Finishing second) was absolutely agonizing," she reflected. "This time, I want to see the results of upgrading my gloves, an essential piece of equipment for wheelchair propulsion. I want to prove the potential of athletes over 50 and deliver a run that inspires the younger generation."

MICHISHITA, Misato (Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance), an invited athlete in the T11/T12 (visually impaired) category, is a marathon gold medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics who set a half-marathon world record for the T12 women’s class at the 2023 edition of this race. Calling the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon—established to carry forward the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games—a "race that holds a very special place in my heart," she acknowledged the rising talent entering the field while sharing her resolve to claim her third title and first in two years: "I want to lead by example as a veteran and race decisively for the win."

Looking ahead to the competition, Wheelchair Race Director SOEJIMA shared his strategic outlook for each division. Regarding the men’s wheelchair race, he noted: "SUZUKI, riding a four-consecutive-win streak, is currently a cut above the rest. The key will be how tenaciously the other two contenders can stick with him. Furthermore, our rising athletes have shown remarkable growth, so I hope the entire pack chasing down Suzuki will push the pace and produce blistering fast times across the board."

Reflecting on the women’s wheelchair race, which culminated in a dramatic dead heat right before the finish line last year, he added: "It was an exciting race to watch. I hope they electrify the course once again this year with another phenomenal display of racing."

In the visually impaired division, SOEJIMA anticipates the women’s race will unfold with MICHISHITA setting the pace and serving as the focal point of the competition. Meanwhile, looking at the men’s lineup—where any victor will be crowned a first-time champion—he voiced high hopes for an aggressive, fearless battle.

The para-athlete divisions also feature a diverse lineup of runners competing across various categories, including deaf athletes (T00), runners with intellectual impairments (T20), and those with lower-limb impairments (T44). Offering advice on how spectators can cheer along the course, SOEJIMA requested: "For visually impaired runners, please support them with your voices, such as calling out their names or bib numbers. For deaf and hard-of-hearing runners, please provide visible encouragement, such as waving your hands energetically."

The wheelchair race is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, followed by the visually impaired and other para-athlete divisions starting alongside the general field at 8:05 a.m. The race will also be streamed live on YouTube, highlighting the elite contenders. We warmly invite everyone to tune in and support this diverse and inspiring lineup of runners!