Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity: Sharing the Thoughts of Our Donors

2025.10.24

Hello! This is the Tokyo Marathon Foundation staff.

This time, we share the thoughts on charity from the six runners who applied to donate to the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity’s Sports Legacy Programs.

【Tokyo Marathon Foundation Sports Legacy Program 1】
As a children’s hospital, our mission is to support the growth and smiles of children facing disabilities and illnesses every day. Sports give everyone the “joy of achievement,” the “fun of challenge,” and the “power to connect with others.” Through this marathon, we hope to show children the image of adults who never give up on their dreams. (TOKYO・Male)

I am a 50-year-old recreational runner.
Running has been a symbol of both challenge and healing throughout my life. When I felt stuck in my career, when life threw me curveballs, running helped me move forward — one step at a time. Now, at this milestone age of 50, I feel a strong desire to give back by running not just for myself, but for others.
I deeply resonate with the mission of the Sports Legacy Program — creating a society where everyone, including children facing hardship or disability, can enjoy sports and feel included.
If my steps can help build that future, I will gladly carry that spirit for 42.195 kilometers.
I have spent decades running for myself. Now, I run for something greater. That, to me, is the most meaningful way to celebrate turning 50.
（CHINESE TAIPEI・Male）

【Tokyo Marathon Foundation Sports Legacy Program 2】
I have been involved in work in the Sanriku region of Iwate Prefecture since 2007. While reconstruction is progressing, I feel on the ground that support for the children remains essential. Therefore, I wish to continue supporting them through marathon running.（TOKYO・Male）

“I was born in Tokyo, Japan (I’m half Japanese half American) and lived most of my teenage years in Japan but after I graduated High School I moved to the United States. I remember watching the news when I was at University and seeing the Tsunami hit Fukushima when the Great East Japan Earthquake happened.
I remember being scared and heartbroken for my grandparents who live in Fukushima and for my friends who were still in Tokyo. Being unable to contact them due to phone lines being jammed. Luckily my loved ones were safe but I know that wasn’t the case for many impacted.
I returned to Japan after that year at University and with some of my friends we visited the areas impacted by the earthquake and tsunami and aided in the clean up. At the time that was all I could do as I was a young student with no money. I didn’t know it but that was actually the last time I was able to visit Japan.
Now 14 years later, I have a wife and kids of my own. Coincidentally they are also half Japanese but have never been to Japan. Now that I am older and have the means to donate I would like to help those whose families were hurt from the earthquake. To make an impact through sport and to also show my children what it looks like to work hard and give it your all.
There are many charities that I could have applied for but when I saw the Sports Legacy program I knew it was meant to be. Now 15 years after the earthquake I can return to Japan to aid in the relief once again and to do it through sport would be amazing.
I would love to represent the organization and to raise money to help those impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
（USA・Male）

【Tokyo Marathon Foundation Sports Legacy Program 3】
Ten days after the Noto earthquake, I underwent emergency surgery due to illness. In March 2025, I visited the disaster area where the very landscape had changed, and it deeply moved me. My own rehabilitation journey overlaps with the path of reconstruction. Let’s move forward together! I support the new Noto!（CHIBA・Male）

I would like to support a charity that supports aid and assistance to the needy. I am happy to know that this foundation support Noto Peninsula because of it’s wonderful coastline, picturesque village and rich Japanese cultural heritage, and it’s in my wishlist of places to visit someday. As I come from a fishing village/region I cannot imagine the sadness and sorrows the locals are experiencing after the earthquake. I can really relate, and I hope through my donation, it could assist in restoring the community life, provide support to the affected residents as well as recovery efforts for fishing villages, houses and buildings destroyed and damaged by the earthquake that happened in 2024.（INDONESIA ・Female）

Your generous support will be used carefully to carry forward our Sports Legacy Program.
We will keep you updated on how donations are utilized, so please look forward to our future reports.

More details：
Official Website of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation Charity RUN with HEART
Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity Page

We warmly welcome your participation and generous support.

▼Past blogs are here