Tokyo Half Marathon

Cool, dry Tokyo late-winter to early-spring conditions — race-morning 5–10°C, warming to 12–15°C by finish. A jacket at bag drop, arm sleeves for the first 5 km, comfortable running temperature by the river.

A smaller, gentler cousin of the Major — same immaculate operational care, softer field. Ceremonial taiko opening, wheelchair wave first, a warm hush before the gun. Arrive unhurried; the corral fills like a tide.

Steady, generous, deeply respectful. Big lifts at Ryogoku bridge, Asakusa's Kaminarimon gate and the final Marunouchi straight. Children with paper cranes at the mid-race turn; taiko drums at each ward boundary.

Kilometres 9–14 along the Sumida Terrace — a purpose-built riverside promenade, water on one side, cherry-tree canopy on the other. This is the interior half of the half; breathe long, let the river pace you.

Sealed city tarmac and dedicated riverside promenade — fully closed to traffic on race day. Zero cobbles; wide multi-lane boulevards and the Sumida Terrace's flagstone promenade for the mid-race stretch.

The Tokyo Marathon Half (and its official sibling shorter races) run on the same fully accessible course infrastructure as the Major — dedicated wheelchair wave, priority handcycle corrals, sign-language volunteers, accessible toilets throughout. The Sumida Terrace mid-race section is a purpose-built accessible promenade.