Starting next year, runners at the Tokyo Marathon will cross the finish line at historic Tokyo Station, race organizers decided Tuesday.
The finish line through this year's edition in February had been at the bayside Tokyo International Exhibition Center, popularly known as Tokyo Big Sight. The starting line will continue to be in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office.
"The change is being made to show Tokyo's excellence to those in Japan and from beyond our shores," Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe told a news conference after the decision was made by the race's board of directors.
"We're changing in order to have a fast course in which runners can set their sights on records. It will make a great picture at the finish line with Tokyo Station in the background."
The race, part of the World Marathon Majors series, had approximately 36,000 runners in its 10th running in February.