Tokyo Marathon

Expo had 2+ hour wait lines...located in an industrial section of Tokyo. Poor website. No app to download race day tracking. Hot day resulted is a mess at the water stops. I had to wait in line, as it is custom, for my one water cup. 2 mins lost at each water stop. Many runners I heard claimed lost time of 20+ mins off expected race time. Forgot potty potties on the course...add 10 min wait to each potty stop. Finish line was uneventful. Crowds were polite but no one claps...they just smile and wave. Cultural but odd. The MOST expensive medal I have ever worn for the least memorable race.

Arrived in Tokyo on the Thursday. With this being the first full field post covid race there was a lot of covid precautions, I won't comment on these as hopefully they won't be in place in the future. The number pick up on the Thursday was very poor, long lines and very poorly managed, I did here that this improved a little on the following days. All I can say about the expo is that it was the worst I have ever visited, crazy long lines to buy a T-shirt and line for asics shop was even longer. Race day was very well organised but not been allowed to bring water bottle belt with you was a bit disappointing. The course was the flattest I have ever run and the roads are so smooth such a pleasure to run on. The course is a little boring lots of skyscrapers. The support was different to European or American races, lots of people but not as loud, very little music on the course, its a very quiet marathon, but to be honest that was quite nice, you dont want every race to be the same. Finish line also was quiet. Overall opinion would be its an interesting experience, embrace the difference and if your aiming for a PB its a great course.