【Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity Runner Interview Vol.3】Running with Purpose — Dietmar from Sacramento, California, USA

This is the third installment in our series introducing runners who will participate in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity as Charity Runners for ADRA Japan.
In this feature, we meet Dietmar, who lives in Sacramento, California. With a deep sense of purpose in running not just for himself but for others and his community, he has taken part in marathons all around the world.

Running for the Community and for Others

When asked, “What does it mean to you to run a marathon as a Charity Runner?” Dietmar shared his thoughts:

“One of the wonderful things about running is that runners don’t just run for themselves — they can also run for their community or for others. Many marathon races have a purpose; they honor someone or something, whether it’s protecting the environment or helping people in need. Being a Charity Runner is truly an honor for me.”

Connection with ADRA

For Dietmar and his family, ADRA has always been close to their hearts. When his children were young, they would choose gifts from the ADRA Gift Catalogue every Christmas. This catalogue offered a variety of ways to support others, and by donating to the project they selected, their contribution would directly reach people in need. Through this experience, his children learned the joy of helping others.

That early experience also deeply influenced his daughter, who later decided to spend a year working at a children’s home in Zimbabwe. Development and humanitarian work have long been important values in Dietmar’s family.

“ADRA has a wonderful mission. When crises arise, they are there on the front lines, bringing help to those who need it most. I think that’s truly wonderful,” said Dietmar.

How He Started Running

Dietmar began running in 2010, at the age of 41. It all started when he joined his company’s “10,000-Step Challenge.”

“I was taking part in a competition to walk 10,000 steps every day, so I started getting up early to go for walks. I really began to enjoy that routine — and that led me to running,” Dietmar recalls.

Later, during Thanksgiving with his brother’s family in Boston, his brother invited him to join the Turkey Trot 5K race. He had such a great time that day that it inspired him to start training for marathons.

Running Around the World — Together with His Brother

So far, Dietmar has completed the Boston, New York, Berlin, and Chicago Marathons, with only London left to finish all six World Marathon Majors. The Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity will be another step in that journey.

“I’ll be running Tokyo with my brother — he’s also a charity runner for ADRA Japan,” Dietmar says. “We’ve already run New York, Berlin, and Chicago together.”

It was his brother who first inspired him to start running, and now, even though they live far apart, the two brothers reunite at marathon events around the world.

“We’ll arrive in Japan about a week before the race to adjust to the time difference. We’re also planning to explore Tokyo and beyond before the marathon,” he explains.

This will be Dietmar’s second visit to Japan. He first came in 2000, when his older brother was working in Fukuoka. During that trip, he visited shrines and temples and even went to a sumo match. This time he and his wife are looking forward to discovering Tokyo and its surrounding areas.

The Joy and Motivation of Running

“One of the things I love about running is that you’re not competing against anyone else — you are competing only with yourself. You set your own goals and find joy in achieving them,” says Dietmar.

He runs three times a week and takes on long-distance runs of 8 to 20 miles (about 13 to 32 km) on weekends. In October, as part of his preparation for the marathon in Tokyo, he plans to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., together with his brother.

When asked what keeps him motivated to run for so many years, he shared:
“I started running later in life. I was never very good at team sports when I was young, but through running, I discovered something I was good at. It feels good to be good at something. It’s important for my health, of course, but I also enjoy the entire process — training, nutrition, stretching, injury management — all of it. Marathon running is the only sport where everyone who puts in the effort can cross the finish line and receive a medal. That feeling of accomplishment when you give it your all and finish strong — that’s what brings me the greatest satisfaction.”

Looking Ahead to the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity

When asked about his goals for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity, Dietmar shared:
“I always want to run a good time. I push myself and strive to do my best, but I also want to cross the finish line feeling strong and happy. Finding that balance — between performance and enjoyment — is important to me. The Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity is a very special race, so I really want to perform well and enjoy every moment of it.”

Dietmar’s dedication to running—for his community, his family, and for those in need—beautifully reflects the spirit of ADRA. Each step he takes carries hope to someone, somewhere in the world, helping to expand the circle of support even further. We look forward to seeing his run at the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity inspire courage and hope in many people.