On Track Nights Celebrates Its Asian Premiere in Tokyo, Japan

Swiss sports brand On teamed up with Middle Distance Circuit to host “On Track Nights: MDC”

On Track Nights Tokyo made a thrilling debut in Asia last month with a spectacular evening of high-speed races at the Okura Athletic Park Track and Field Stadium in downtown Tokyo. With almost 3,000 enthusiastic spectators, the event perfectly blended athleticism and entertainment, showcasing the unique On Track Nights spirit.

Following successful stops in London, Vienna, and Paris, the 2024 series will conclude in Melbourne, Australia, in December. In Tokyo, spectators enjoyed unique features such as trackside spectator tunnels and a bridge to the infield, bringing them closer to the action. The venue buzzed with food trucks, activities, and live entertainment, including a DJ set, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Local runners competed alongside international elite athletes, with participants from Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, France, and Japan. The On Athletics Club (OAC) Oceania team had four athletes in the mix, contributing to an unforgettable night.

The event featured races in various categories, including the men’s and women’s 800m and 1500m and an 800m race for elementary school students. In a standout performance, Koichi Nishigo from Iwate set a new Masters Japanese record in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:59.50, thrilling the crowd.

In the Japan Grand Prix Series, the men’s and women’s 800m and 1500m races included pacing lights and pacemakers set to Japanese record paces, ensuring an exciting spectacle for runners and spectators alike.

Abraham Guem of South Sudan, set to compete in the Paris Olympics, won the men’s 800m in 1:47.41, followed by Frenchman Yeye Mickael (1:47.44), new personal bests for both athletes. Japan’s Kaiji Kitamura came in third in 1:47.85.

Bendere Oboya from OAC Oceania triumphed in the women’s 800m with a time of 1:59.37, followed by teammate Carley Thomas and Japan’s Ayaka Kawada. Thomas earned the “Pacing Light Runner” prize for the longest time spent alongside the pacing lights, finishing in 2:00.02.

Oboya, reflecting on her race, said, “At the last On Track Nights in Vienna, I was injured, so I took a break before this event. The crowd’s support throughout the venue kept me going, even during the tough moments. I had a lot of fun running thanks to their cheers.”

In the men’s 1500m, OAC’s Jesse Hunt from Australia emerged victorious with a time of 3:38.98, followed by Hyuga Endo and Yuki Abe from Japan.

“The heat in Japan was a challenge compared to Europe, but I’m pleased with my performance. It was my first race in Japan, and the spectators created an incredible atmosphere. I’d love to race here again next year,” Hunt shared.

OAC Oceania’s Maudie Skyring won the women’s 1500m in 4:07.33, followed by Japan’s Chikako Mori and Ai Oyama.

Skyring expressed, “My goal was to run fast leading up to the Olympic qualifiers, but for On Track Nights, I prioritized having fun. The energy in the venue was amazing.”

In a special 1000m race for influencers, even event organizer and former Japanese record holder in the men’s 800m Masato Yokota made an appearance. He was in a fierce battle with influencers Takaya Mitsuya, Takeya Tamura, Yuichiro Ueno, and others but unfortunately could not finish the race, so Yuichiro Ueno crowned himself the winner.

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