【Report】Press Conference (Elite Athletes)

The Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2026 Press Conference was held at the MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) in Tokyo on Friday, October 16, two days before the race.

The press conference for the elite race began with the women’s session, featuring NGETICH, Agnes (Kenya), MWANGI, Rebecca (Kenya), KAMAU, Tabithanjeri (Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance) and SHINOZAKURA, Sora (Yokohama City Athletics Association).

NGETICH won the half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships on September 20, setting a women-only world record of 1:05:15. She expressed her readiness, saying, “It’s after the World Championships but I am ready. I am not expecting a fast time as the course is not flat, but I hope to run a good race.”

MWANGI, the defending champion, greeted the audience in Japanese, saying, “Last year, I ran my first half marathon, and this is my second. I’d be absolutely thrilled if I could set a personal best.”

KAMAU, who belongs to a Japanese corporate team, also set her goals in Japanese, saying, “My goal is to finish among the top runners and break 70 minutes.”

Japan’s SHINOZAKURA injured her left thigh in April and admitted she is still lacking some training, but remained positive, saying, “I will accept my current condition and use it to take the next step forward.”

The men’s session followed immediately after, featuring MUTISO, Alexander (Kenya), SHIMIZU, Kanta (SUBARU), AIZAWA, Akira (Asahi Kasei) and KIKUCHI, Shunya (Chugoku Electric Power).

With a personal best of 57:59, MUTISO showcased his excellent form ahead of the race, saying, “My condition is good. My training has been good.” Setting his goal to “run as fast as possible,” he welcomed the newly introduced pace-setters for this year’s event, saying, “They will provide a great opportunity to push myself forward.”

Japan’s SHIMIZU promised an aggressive performance, saying, “This will be my first race of the season due to an injury, but my training since the summer has been highly satisfactory. I will believe in myself and compete in the leading pack.”

AIZAWA emphasized his excellent condition, saying, “I’ve been able to maintain consistent training for the longest period in my career.” He added with determination, “I want to set a personal best, stay competitive in the leading group and position myself to fight for the win at the very end.”

KIKUCHI clocked a new Japanese record of 28:07 at the 10km road race held in Prague on September 5. He showed a strong competitive mindset, saying, “The time will come as long as I focus on my position.” He also expressed confidence in handling the uphill sections in the latter half of the race.

OSHIMA, Yasuhiro, the Race Director, shared his outlook for the women’s field, stating, “I expect the race to be driven by NGETICH, alongside MWANGI and KAMAU.” For the men’s race, he expressed his hopes for MUTISO to “break the course record of 59:52.” He also shared his expectations for the Japanese athletes, hoping they would “challenge the international runners and achieve new personal bests.”

The first Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon was held in 2022, and this marks the fifth event. With the newly introduced pace-setters for the men’s field, the event continues to evolve year after year. We can’t wait to see what kind of race will unfold through the streets of Tokyo between world-class athletes and Japanese runners.

The elite race will start at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, October 18.