Friends,

It is a tremendous honor to run the 2026 Tokyo Marathon – my sixth and final Abbot World Marathon Major – on behalf of Pride House Tokyo. As an openly gay nine-time marathoner and a practicing physician in the United States, I have a deep personal and professional commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. At my hospital, I serve as a representative on our LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and am an active member of my division's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. These roles have given me firsthand experience in advocating for and implementing positive changes in healthcare and workplace environments. In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under attack more than ever, supporting organizations like Tokyo Pride House becomes increasingly crucial. Their comprehensive approach to creating lasting change – from raising awareness during major sporting events to establishing a permanent support center for LGBTQ+ youth – resonates strongly with my own values and experiences. By participating in the Tokyo Marathon for Pride House Tokyo, I aim to contribute to their vital mission of promoting acceptance, fostering understanding, and building a more inclusive society in Japan and beyond. The marathon itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing journey towards equality – a journey that requires endurance, dedication, and the collective effort of many. I am eager to challenge myself physically while also being part of a larger movement that transcends sports and touches the lives of countless individuals seeking acceptance and support.

With sincere humility and gratitude,

Jake