On 10 March 2017 at 12:00 a.m., 30 selected runners attempted to run a full marathon distance through Tokyo without stopping at a single traffic light. Those who missed a green light were eliminated from the race. For the record, Tokyo has a staggering 15,772 signals – compared to NYC’s 12,460 and London’s 6,252 – making it near impossible to complete an uninterrupted city run.

Using traffic data provided by the local police department, and taking into account traffic light patterns, distance, timing and safety issues, adidas Japan and TBWA\Hakuhodo organized one-of-a-kind urban race through the busy streets of Tokyo.

The runners were tracked and alerted when they were in danger of missing the next green light. The ‘Get Stopped, Get Dropped’ rule required runners to keep up with a demanding pace, otherwise they would be eliminated if they were stopped by a red light. One of the entry requirements was the ability to run a full marathon in 4.5 hours.

Held from midnight to dusk, the run offered its participants the magnificent night scenery of Tokyo, including landmarks such as Asakusa, the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower.

adidas Brand Core Store Harajuku

adidas Brand Core Store (BCS) Harajuku is just 2-minute walk from Meiji Jingumae Station and 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station. It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On every Sunday, the running community adidas Runners of Tokyo organizes activities at BCS Harajuku.

Do you think that Japanese people are genius for being able to design such a complex full marathon route that allows runners not to stop at a single traffic light in the dense city of Tokyo?