Due to COVID-19, Tokyo Marathon 2021 was postponed twice and finally held on March 6, 2022. Tokyo Marathon 2022 was canceled. Even though it was held in 2022, the “Tokyo Marathon 2021” name was retained.
Sadly, overseas visitors were still barred from coming to Japan, so overseas runners could not run in 2021. About 25,000 runners showed up, reduced from the usual 38,000.
Most all runners were Japanese, really missed the international runners. But it had been three years since the last time when ordinary/amateur runners were allowed to run. Nice to see the masses running again (instead of only elite runners) and the cheering crowd on the streets. It felt like Tokyo was gradually returning to normalcy.
All runners were required to be COVID-tested in advance.
The marathon started at 9:05 am with the wheelchair race and the marathon starting 5 min. later. The 42 km (26 mi.) course started at Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Shinjuku and finished in front of Tokyo Station. Runners had seven hours to complete the marathon.
Photos on this page were taken near the 24 km (15 mi.) checkpoint/turnaround in Monzen-Nakacho.
Some runners wore the colors of Ukraine. 
Like most other countries, everyone in Japan is horrified by the war in Ukraine. There have been a few anti-war demonstrations by Ukrainians in Japan joined by Russians as well. Prayers for all the Ukrainians and ordinary Russians being affected.
Right: Pikachu is always in Tokyo Marathon.
Right: Leopard
Right: Running doctor. Thank you for your service.
Right: School girl rabbit?
Right: Mario Kart
Tokyo Marathon 2021 volunteers set up and removed the orange cones on the road. During the race, they watched the spectators. All volunteers belong to a small group led by a group leader (in green).
Each group of volunteers is assigned to a specific location and task along the marathon route. From my experience, giving water or snacks to runners is the most fun volunteer job because you can watch them run. Thank you for your service.
Runners had to pass the 24 km mark by 1:20 pm. Otherwise, they had to quit the race and board the bus. Fortunately, these buses remained almost empty.
My photos of previous Tokyo Marathons:
Tokyo Marathon 2023 | Tokyo Marathon 2016 | Tokyo Marathon 2015 | Tokyo Marathon 2014 | Tokyo Marathon 2013 | Tokyo Marathon 2012 | Tokyo Marathon 2011 | Tokyo Marathon 2010 | Tokyo Marathon 2008 | Tokyo Marathon 2007
*No photos for 2017, 2018, and 2019 because I was a Tokyo Marathon volunteer.