October 17, 2019
Bureau of Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Preparation

Governor Koike’s comments regarding the IOC’s announcement of its intentions to review plans for the Tokyo 2020 marathon and race walking events

On 16 October, the IOC announced that it intends to consider moving the Olympic marathon and race walking events to Sapporo.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike issued the following comments in response.

Governor Koike’s comments

The IOC abruptly announced a proposal to review plans for the Olympic marathon and race walking events.
Taking this path raises various issues.
Of course, the athletes-first approach is extremely important. And, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in partnership with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, has taken a variety of approaches to formulating steps and implementing measures to combat heat.
The marathon and race walking courses and start times were determined by the host city, Tokyo, and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee in consultation with the IOC, International Federations, and related groups.
Therefore, we are very surprised to learn of this sudden change in direction.
Local municipalities have been working very hard to prepare. And, together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, we would like to request a full explanation to all of the Games stakeholders, including the citizens of Tokyo.
We will respond by working with local municipalities and others as we head into discussions to be held at the IOC Coordination Commission Meeting at the end of this month.
We will continue our efforts for a successful Tokyo 2020 Games.