Ahead of the Tokyo Marathon 2026 on Sunday 1 March, we want to give a huge shout out to everyone taking part in one of the world's most prestigious races.
It's no small feat just to get there. More than 300,000 people apply to run Tokyo every year, with fewer than 10 per cent securing a coveted place. That makes simply being at the start line an achievement in itself. So we want to say a huge congratulations and good luck to our former CEO Judi Rhys, and Tenovus Cancer Care trustees Iain Hardcastle and Tina Gabb, who will all be representing Tenovus Cancer Care on the world stage.
Judi Explains:
"I’m dedicating this marathon to Claire’s Campaign, and to continuing the work we began. Funds raised will help ensure:
- More women feel empowered to come forward and share their stories
- Political promises are kept
- The Welsh Government is held to account
- Claire’s platform lives on
Every donation helps support this important cause.
"It's very fitting that the race is on 1 March, St David's Day. People have been so generous… Claire really loved Japan, so I feel this run is a very fitting tribute to her and I am proud to support the campaign set up in her name. I will continue to keep her memory alive and champion the cause through my other work, post-Tenovus.
"I never expected to be running in Tokyo and chasing my 6th star, a massive goal for so many runners, so thank you to Tenovus for the chance to do so, it's notoriously difficult to secure a place through the ballot.
"I always said I would never run Boston or New York because I don't like hilly marathons - but I ticked them both off last year and lived to tell the tale. Fortunately, Tokyo is a fairly flat course. Seven weeks later, I will be running the Manchester marathon, representing Wales in my age category, so I will need to keep something in the tank for that.
So, thanks to everyone who has supported me."
If you'd like to add your support and donate to Judi's marathon page, you can do so here.
