One of Japan’s biggest sporting events of the year, The Tokyo Marathon usually attracts 35,000 participants and 10,000 volunteers. However this year, only 300 elite and about 600 volunteers were allowed to participate as coronavirus fears swept through the region.
After a number of virus cases were recorded in Tokyo, organizers said in February that they could not launch at event at a very large scale as t was originally intended.
Today roads were cordoned off as normal with traffic cones in place to direct runners along the route.
But surprisingly the streets were empty and quiet, devoid of the cheering crowds that would typically pack the sidewalks. The few runners that passed by were applauded only by a handful of people on the sidelines. The marathon’s typical festive, energetic atmosphere was nowhere to be found.
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