The marathon and race walking courses for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will start and finish at New National Stadium and take competitors on a scenic tour of iconic city landmarks, organizers said Thursday.
The organizing committee said the marathon course showcases the modern and traditional attractions of the nation's capital, such as the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) in Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, the upmarket shopping district of Ginza, Zojoji temple and Tokyo Tower.
"Nihonbashi, Asakusa, Ginza, Tokyo Tower — it's a course that takes you through Tokyo's famous tourist spots," Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said.
Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 sports director Koji Murofushi took part in a news conference where the course was revealed and said "it will be the best Olympic course ever."
Other than the initial downhill and the slight uphill toward the end, the roads are virtually flat, with a maximum elevation of 34 meters.
