ACE Charity Runner Interview "Running for a Cause — The Moment Strength Comes Naturally"

We spoke with one of our long-time ACE Charity Runners, Dr. Yumi Shimano, about what inspired him to start running, how fundraising changed his perspective, and why he keeps coming back. 

Meet Dr. Shimano 

Dr. Yumi Shimano is an internal medicine and pediatric physician who started running in April 2023 — with zero experience. Since then, he has run as an ACE Charity Runner in the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2023 Charity and 2024 Charity, and the Tokyo Marathon 2025 Charity. 

From the clinic to the starting line 

In my work as a doctor, I treat many patients struggling with obesity and lifestyle diseases. It's a serious problem here in Japan. At the same time, I've always been deeply aware that in parts of Africa and South Asia, people don't have enough food to survive. That gap — that profound unfairness — stayed with me. 

When I first heard about the Charity Runner program, I thought: "Could running actually be a way to contribute?" And when I looked into ACE's mission, I found it closely aligned with the issues I cared most about — inequality in food, education, and child labor. I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved. 

A beginner's first race 

My very first race was as a Charity Runner at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon Charity — and I had never run a single race before in my life. 

At the venue, I was surrounded by so many other Charity Runners who shared the same values. It was incredibly encouraging to realize: "There are so many people out there who feel the same way I do." 

That first race, I barely made it before the time limit. I felt genuinely sorry for keeping the ACE staff waiting at the finish line. But that moment became my motivation. "Next year, I won't make them wait." And the following year, I finished 30 minutes faster. 

Knowing that people are cheering for you, waiting for you — it pushes you harder than you ever thought possible. 

Running with purpose 

There's a real difference between "just running a race" and "running as a charity runner." 

On a normal day, I run because it feels good, because the weather is nice. But when you run as a charity runner, something shifts. You're running for someone. You think about ACE's mission, the people working tirelessly behind the scenes, and the children who need support. That awareness gives your run a deeper meaning — and with it comes a quiet sense of responsibility. 

I honestly believe that charity runners run faster. Not because they're more athletic, but because they carry something more than themselves. 

Running as a charity runner gives you strength you didn't know you had. 

Looking ahead 

This experience has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I never imagined that "just running" and "sharing a message" could change me this much. 

I want to keep running with ACE and share this feeling with as many people as possible — one race at a time. 

Inspired by Dr. Shimano's story? Join us as a Charity Runner for Tokyo Marathon 2027 Charity. Applications open on June 24. 

Learn more: https://global.acejapan.org/post/tokyo-marathon-2027-charity-be-a-charity-runner-for-ace