Society

Tokyo Marathon returns with anti-virus measures

Mar 07 (NHK) - The Tokyo Marathon has been held after a two-year hiatus with measures to prevent coronavirus infections in place.

About 19,000 runners took part in Sunday's race. Citizen runners were allowed for the first time since 2019.

The participants were required to take PCR tests in advance.

The runners were divided into three groups to ensure they could maintain social distancing during the race.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko fired a starting gun three times at 10-minute intervals.

Volunteers at water points wore gloves, and runners disinfected their hands before receiving water.

Staff members urged spectators not to gather along the course.

Organizers cut the number of entries from the pre-pandemic 38,000 to 25,000.

The organizers later asked runners aged 65 or older to refrain from taking part, saying they would be at risk of developing severe symptoms if they become infected.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

Brigid Kosgei of Kenya won the women's race with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 2 seconds.

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