Tokyo Paralympics Marathon Course Finalized

The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced the course for the Tokyo Paralympic Marathon (scheduled for September 6, 2020) on April 8. The course was finalized with the approval of the World Para Athletics Federation (WPA).
The course, similar to the Tokyo Olympic course, is a 42.195-kilometer route starting and finishing at the New National Stadium, passing through Tokyo landmarks including Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens.

The Paralympic marathon will feature the following events: "T12 Men/Women" (visual impairment), "T46 Men" (upper limb amputation), and "T54 Men/Women" (wheelchair athletes excluding cerebral palsy).

WPA President Hao Jie Gao commented, "The Para marathon is a highlight of the athletics program. I believe it will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with fans. Running through Tokyo's landmarks and returning to the stadium will be a special experience for the athletes. We thank the organizers for their efforts."

Akemi Masuda, President of the Japan Para Athletics Federation, commented: "It's an attractive course that lets both athletes and spectators feel 'The Tokyo'. However, the uphill climb at the end will be grueling for the athletes, and for wheelchair athletes especially, it might be the toughest course ever. That's precisely why I think they'll be moved by the cheers when they overcome it and return to the stadium."

Athletes such as Muneki Nishida (Para Marathon) and Misato Michishita (Rio Paralympics Marathon Silver Medalist) shared their thoughts: "We hope spectators along the route can feel the speed and strategic racing of the wheelchair event. Your cheers will be a tailwind for the athletes." "It's also a course that's easy for blind runners to navigate. We're happy it's an environment where it's easy to receive support. On the final day of the Paralympics, we want to share this emotion with as many people as possible."

Official Website:
https://tokyo2020.org/jp/news/notice/20190408-01.html