Tokyo woke up to fair weather the morning of the race, with cloudy skies and temperatures around the 6°C (43°F) mark. When the Live Japan team made its way over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government complex around 6:30 on Sunday morning, it found that nearly everyone on the subways were runners, with more and more runners boarding at each stop. Some took a brief nap in on the bench seats while others were excitedly chatting away about the race ahead.

Reaching the expansive Shinjuku Station, runners were met with a score of helpful volunteers who held signs and helped people get to the most convenient exit. A number of these volunteers spoke English as well, which made things much easier for the non-Japanese speakers.

A large number of information tables were set up around the main rally area, with volunteers happy to help people in English, German, Chinese, Korean and of course Japanese. Baggage forwarding services were also available to transport small luggage to the finish zone.

Arriving at the rally point for the race, runners were met with a number of other volunteers who handed out bananas, mandarin oranges and cups of water or Pocari Sweat – helping runners boost their energy and electrolytes for the marathon ahead.

Tokyo Marathon started in two waves, with wheelchair racers opening the race ahead of the runners. After a brief speech by the chairperson and by Tokyo’s governor, the crowd hushed as the countdown began. At the zero-second mark, the race pistol cracked and spectators and runners alike erupted with emotionally charged cheers as heart-shaped confetti billowed skyward around them.

The Tokyo Marathon covers a fair portion of the city, passing through famous sightseeing areas and past a number of iconic landmarks along the way!

Key areas shared a sense of local flavor. Running past Sensoji Temple's famous Kaminarimon gate in Asakusa, runners were treated to a traditional music performance.

Tokyo Skytree greets runners as they continue down past Sensoji temple at the 15km point!

Crowds at the iconic Ginza Crossing erupt into cheers as runners clear the 30km point.

Down at the 39km point, runners pass by Zojoji Temple, with Tokyo Tower wishing them well in the background.

Clearing the final stretch through the streets of Marunouchi, runners finish the marathon right in front of Tokyo Station!

Along the entire stretch of the marathon were a solid force of volunteers and other support personnel, helping ensure a safe, fun experience for runners and fans alike!

The volunteer force was made up of people from all different walks of life, from university students to office workers. Hiro, one volunteer, said that it was his fifth time volunteering with the Tokyo Marathon. "It makes me really happy to see people coming from abroad. I am very pleased to help out!"

Another volunteer, Hitomi, studies German as a second language and decided to put his experience to use. "Studying German is a hobby for me. I have many German friends and wanted to help support people with my ability."

Entrants from 91 countries and regions joined the Tokyo Marathon, the oldest of whom was aged 90 (a male runner from from Belgium), according to the official program.

Although there are a fair number of serious runners in any given marathon, there are always some people who dress up in a special way for the occasion, enjoying the fun spirit of the run and enjoying a self-challenge as opposed to competing for prize money.

This year's Tokyo Marathon practically saw it all - from people dressed in typical running gear but with a funny hat, to others wearing their favorite sports team's uniform, to folks dressed in full costume, slapping high-fives along the way. According to the Tokyo Marathon's website, over 1,000,000 spectators came out to see the race and support the runners!

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the most energetic, exciting events to see in early spring! Be sure to enjoy it for yourself in person - the next Tokyo Marathon will be on March 3, 2019! Hope to see you there!