The 14th edition of the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday could produce cutthroat battles among local men's runners, including current and ex-national record holders.
Though they want to capture the title in one of the biggest marathon events in the world, they will also hit the road seeking the final spot on Japan's 2020 Olympic squad.
Organizers held a news conference with some of the elite participants at a Tokyo hotel on Friday ahead of the competition.
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