Tokyo Marathon 2011

Before we get down to the nitty gritty, let's start with a few facts and figures. Tokyo Marathon is in its fifth year, not counting its previous existence as two separate marathons, which began simultaneously in 1981. Runners push themselves over 42.195 km, and the fastest time anyone has managed so far is two minutes and seven seconds (Viktor Röthlin, 2008). Only three Japanese athletes have won the Tokyo Marathon — Masakazu Fujiwara (men's marathon, 2010), Mizuho Nasukawa (women's marathon, 2009) and Hitomi Niiya (women's marathon, 2007). Permission to race in the marathon is granted by lottery; 36,000 people will run this year, selected from a record-breaking 335,147 applicants.

It's safe to say that the Tokyo Marathon will be the biggest single event staged so far in the capital this year, but is it only for the mega-fit? With mini festivals and expos galore, we think you'll find something to get you in the street spirit.

The Tokyo Marathon 2011 takes place on February 27, with the wheelchair race starting at 9.05am and both the elite and main races starting five minutes later. The whole event will be broadcast on Fuji TV

Time Out Tokyo Marathon guide

Top spots to watch the marathon

Things to do that don't require fitness

10 marathon runners to lend your support to

Top hotel deals for the 2011 Tokyo Marathon

Whacky racer: introducing the inventor of the iRun

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