Tokyo Marathon, 5th March 2023

In a sequence only interrupted by Covid (London 2017/19, Chicago 2018, New York 2019, Berlin 2021, Boston 2022), Mungai Wairia was in Tokyo on Sunday to tick off no. 6 in his Major Marathon mission. The great man had this to say:

“Having completed the 6 World Marathon Majors, it’s only the Berlin Marathon for which I cannot find an excuse for not getting a good time.

At London, New York, and Tokyo, the first 3 hrs pace could have gotten me a good time in my age group, but my body shut down, and I struggled for the last 10k (in all 3 races). So I have only myself to blame for the lack of endurance training.

At the Chicago Marathon, poor planning and my diet in the preceding 24 hrs cost me the race. (I landed in Chicago on Friday night, found the hotel I had booked wasn’t ideal, and struggled to get everything sorted out before the race).

Boston is the only Marathon I started with an injury, and thought I could still do it under 5 hours. BUT, I really struggled, and truly felt good when I finally made it to the finish line.

Tokyo is a very good course, especially for the 1st 15k, though I would advise those doing it NOT to be carried away going downhill.

In summary, I have to review next year’s strategy (as I will be entering into a new age group) and find out which of the 6 I will have to repeat.

Claremont Road Runners have been an inspiration from the day I signed up for the World Marathon Majors, and I’m very happy for the support and encouragement from everyone, especially for the last 10 months after my injury (although I’ve not been active at club sessions of late).

Thank you so much, Claremonters.”

Despite the cited lack of endurance, and noticeable drop in pace around the 3 hour mark, Mungai still achieved his goal of sub-4 hours, in an impressive official time of 3:51:07. Congratulations Mungai!