Tokyo Marathon 2011

I got the "Congratulations!" email in the wee small hours of this morning, and will be taking part in my second Tokyo Marathon on 27th February 2011. It was a fantastic experience last year despite the appalling (yet somewhat refreshing) weather conditions.

Has anybody else been accepted (or applied and still waiting to find out)?

Hurrah! I got accepted too

Now looking at flight options, as cheap as poss. A much-travelled friend suggested waiting until December when the sales are on..?

 Any tips welcomed - thanks!

I would definitely hold fire on flights for the moment. Virgin are quoting £720, which is about £200 more than you should be paying! Alternatively, there are courier flights (usually with BA) which involve transporting a document to give to somebody at the other end, and those can go as low as £250. I've never done it myself, but I know plenty who have and have recommended it. In fact, sometimes there isnt even a document to take, so it just becomes a very cheap flight!

Well priced hotels is a bit more of a challenge. While it seems sensible to get a hotel as close to the start or finish as possible, most places in Tokyo are easily accessible by the reliable (and frequent) Metro system, so as long as you're near a station, most places are pretty easy to get to. Shinjuku, Iidabashi, Ginza, Shinbashi, Shinagawa, Akasaka... they're all good places to stay.

The course is pretty good. The first 6 miles is all downhill so if you can get into a decent rhythm there, it sets you up nicely for the next 14 which is fairly flat (a few little bumps here and there). The last 6 is quite challenging though so its worth keeping something in the tank. The first bridge off the mainland towards Odaiba is especially severe. The uphill section is only about 150 metres long but its quite steep and can sap your legs a bit. After that, you have to go over a few more bridges (so a few more ups and downs) then twist and turn your way around Odaiba before hitting the finish. The support around the course is also fantastic and the volunteers are always happy and helpful.

My only gripe was toilet facilities. I hope they get a few more in place this year. I know somebody who queued for about 5 mins to use one! But thats just nit-picking though.

12 days to go!

Anybody else preparing to fly to Tokyo to take part? I arrive in Japan at 9am on 25th Feb and will hit the expo the same day. A gentle lap of the Imperial Palace on 26th (anti-clockwise to avoid the wrath of the locals!!!) followed by a high-carb dinner that night, then the race on 27th.

Then a whole week to get wasted!

I was in Tokyo for the marathon for a second time. Didn't see this thread before the race. I've done a race report for anyone that is interested, perhaps thinking about running Tokyo in the future:

going to read article but seriously thinking of applying for next year, any tips, advice, anecdotes welcome.

I take it the weather is generally poor at this time of year?

Things to do/places to stay....

cheers.