At the age of 92, veteran runner Koichi Kitabatake is set to run his 36th marathon in Paris
92 years old. That’s the age of Koichi Kitabatake, who will be lining up for his seventh Paris Marathon this Sunday, April 12, 2026. A happy veteran, his eyes sparkling with excitement, he’s looking forward to the pleasure of running through the French capital, a city he holds particularly dear.
The longevity of this Japanese runner is striking, almost dizzying. It has been 18 years since he first took up running, initially as an alternative to swimming after undergoing cataract surgery, and later because he came to enjoy the feeling of his legs picking up speed. “I could no longer swim because of the risk of infection. A coach at my gym suggested I try jogging,” he recalls. He was 74 at the time. “At first, I could only walk. But I quickly realized that jogging was easier than fast walking.” Four years after his first strides, he took on the challenge of his first marathon, in Paris. “It’s a strange coincidence that led me to running. I’m very happy to have discovered the world of running,” he says today, just a few weeks before the race.
| A long history with Paris
The Paris Marathon was a turning point for Koichi Kitabatake. But his decision to tackle the marathon at the age of 78 was no accident. “Paris was a familiar city to me, as I lived there for over a year after I retired,” he smiles. On his business trips, he would sometimes pass through the City of Light, regretting only that he didn’t speak French. “So, at the age of 70, I came to learn the language at the Alliance Française,” he explains.
A great admirer of French culture, he gradually grew attached to the Paris Marathon, which he now considers a must. First by deciding to take part every three years, then, since 2024, by crossing the finish line every year. “I’m getting older, and I don’t want to miss the chance to run in Paris,” says the enthusiast, both of the event and its host city. “I don’t want to have any regrets.” This year, Koichi has set himself a goal: after finishing in 7:10 last year, he is aiming for 7:15. Paris captivated him and continues to draw him back. He will never forget his first Paris Marathon: “It was the most beautiful day of my life, in the most beautiful city in the world.”
« It was the best day of my life in the most beautiful city in the world. . »
Koichi Kitabatake, after his first marathon (in Paris)
| 18 years of marathons and passion
Between his three marathons a year—one in Japan and two abroad—Koichi takes part in a few road races to train. “Before my first marathon, I had done some shorter races and two 20 km events,” he explains. The preparation paid off, as he completed the 42.195 km in 5:41. “I pushed myself—running a marathon is always difficult. But that day, I didn’t care about my time. I just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and the scenery along the course.” It marked the beginning of a long journey with the marathon: he will celebrate his 36th on April 12. “I’ve run in Tokyo, but the time limit is strict. So I’ve mainly raced abroad: New York, London, San Francisco, Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Frankfurt…” Now, his finishing times are over 7:30, far from his personal best (5:39 at the age of 79), but that is no longer what matters most.
When asked about his secret, the former New Yorker smiles. “I live a long time, it’s true,” he jokes. “It’s thanks to the marathon—it’s good for your health.” And to his two weekly runs of 5 to 10 km. “My legs feel good,” he adds, thanks in part to daily stretching and strength sessions lasting between 30 minutes and an hour. “I’ve been doing these exercises for about 15 years.” Golf may also play a role—he used to practice it before stopping 20 years ago.
Sport helps him stay in shape, and in turn, his good health allows him to keep running. “I don’t have any injuries, I just make sure not to fall,” he says, eager to head to France on April 8 for a two-week stay combining racing and sightseeing. “I’ve booked tickets for the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Louvre, Orsay, and even an opera,” he adds enthusiastically. A lover of the tea ceremony—a Japanese tradition that excites him just as much as running—he speaks with unmistakable joy.
Du haut de ses 92 ans, Koichi Kitabatake établira à nouveau le record du coureur le plus âgé au départ du Marathon de Paris qui réunira près de 60 000 participants. Retenez bien ce nom car l’année prochaine, il reviendra, prêt à réitérer l’expérience tant qu’il le pourra.
Sabine LOEB
Journaliste