Sunday 5km parkrun! Running Futakotamagawa parkrun, Tokyo on Greenery Day: Japan's Extra Day parkrun - Nicola Runs

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of Sunday 5km parkrun! Running Futakotamagawa parkrun, Tokyo on Greenery Day: Japan’s Extra Day parkrun from Nicola Runs. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

The Futakotamagawa parkrun is a 5 km (3.1 mi) flat course consisting of three laps around the sports fields plus a short out‑and‑back on the paths beside the Tama River.
Course etiquette: keep left at the start, follow marshals, and remember the U‑turn after the last lap to avoid getting lost.
It’s a community‑focused run – volunteers greet you, help with timing, and keep the event running smoothly.
Ideal for a quick, easy‑pace run; perfect for a recovery or a fun group run.

Workout Example

Warm‑up – 5‑10 min easy jog to the start line.
Run – Complete 3 laps (≈ 3 km total) at a comfortable pace (conversational, around 8‑9 min / mile or 5‑6 min / km for most runners).
Out‑and‑back – After the final lap, turn left onto the short out‑and‑back section (≈ 500 m each way) and finish back at the start.
Cool‑down – Walk or jog for 5 min, hydrate, and enjoy the post‑run coffee at the onsite Starbucks.

Practical Tips

Keep left throughout the course to stay out of the crowd.
Use the water fountain and toilets placed near the route.
Bring a timer or use the Pacing app to track your 5 km time and customize the pace to your fitness level.
Enjoy the U‑turn and the scenic view of the river and park.