Approximately 30,000 people will participate in the "Tokyo Marathon 2018" held on Sunday, February 25, 2018, while the "Ome Marathon" a week earlier and the "Itabashi City Marathon" a month later will each attract around 15,000 participants.
From February to March, approximately 60,000 people participate in marathon races held in Tokyo alone.
For runners who want to start running, participate in races, or improve their performance, Isetan Sports Gate is starting to provide information on everything from the basics of running to training methods!

Left: Takeyuki Ugome, Assistant Sales Manager, Isetan Sports Gate; Right: Toshiyuki Aono, On Japan

For the first installment of this new series, we welcome Toshiyuki Aono of On Japan, who ran the 10th leg of the Hakone Ekiden during his time at Kokugakuin University, and who says he "wants to aim for a time of 2 hours and 35 minutes in the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which will be held in December." The show will be hosted by Takeyuki Ugome, Assistant Sales Manager of Isetan Sports Gate.

The Tokyo Marathon dramatically increased the number of runners.

Aono Ugome is the best runner I know. He has followed the elite amateur track, and at the same time, he is affiliated with On Japan, which handles the popular running shoes "Cloud," and is actively involved in shoe fitting, running form advice, and organizing running events in various locations.

Thank you for inviting me to the first installment of Aono's new series. How long have you been running, Ugome-san?


I've been running for about 10 years now . I was inspired to start running after seeing the Ageo City Half Marathon, which takes place in mid-November (this year it was held on Sunday, November 19th).

This is a famous race that also determines the members of the Aono Hakone Ekiden team. I'll be running in it this year too. Are you participating in the race, Ugome-san?

I participate in half marathons 3-4 times a year. I've also run a full marathon once. But I didn't make it into the upcoming Tokyo Marathon... so I've entered the Ome Marathon. I wanted to write a series about marathons for this Isetan Men's Net column because I wanted to share the joy of running with people who haven't run yet, and I wanted to encourage people who used to run to start running again like they used to.

Aono: Since the Tokyo Marathon started in 2007, the number of runners has increased dramatically, and the number of races, including half marathons and full marathons, has also increased.

Ugo: Many elite runners who compete in the Hakone Ekiden go on to join corporate teams, but Mr. Aono is a rare case in that he competed in the Hakone Ekiden and then joined a sports manufacturer, so I'm looking forward to working with him today!

For those who want to start running again.

Ugo: Now, as autumn approaches, we see an increase in people at Isetan Sports Gate saying, "I'd like to start running now..." Mr. Aono, do you have any advice for such people?

Running isn't a glamorous sport, so I think it's a good idea to start with the right gear, like your running clothes and shoes. Running in clothes you like and shoes you love will definitely lift your spirits.

Ugo: Nowadays , there are also highly fashionable clothing and shoes available, so you can choose based on both functionality and fashion. What kind of shoes do you like, Aono-san?

Aono: I don't like platform shoes, and I don't like changing shoes for warming up and for the race. So I was looking for a "shoe that could do anything" and that's how I found On . When I first wore On , I thought, "What is this?"

I personally wear Ugo On shoes when I run, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone, from beginners to intermediate and advanced runners.

If you're having trouble getting started, try setting a low bar to begin with!