Anne Curtis-Smith is undoubtedly making the most out of her time in Japan. Just days after roaming Tokyo Disneyland with her family, the actress put her athletic gear on to run at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon this March 5.
The event is one of the six major marathons held annually around the world. It’s usually capped off at 25,000 contestants, and Anne was part of it as a “Charity Runner.” As per the marathon’s official website, Charity Runners are those who participate in the program to donate a certain amount to their organization of choice and run in the event to “spread the greatness of charity activities.”
In a recent Instagram post, Anne can be seen sporting a blue track jacket underneath her marathon bib to represent UNICEF Philippines. Anne and the organization launched a crowdfunding campaign dubbed Takbo Para Sa Bata to help abused Filipino children get access to free medical and legal services. After her run, Anne has promised to match the amount made in the initiative with an initial goal of P1 million.
Anne ran a total of 42 kilometers, and she admittedly had the jitters a night before the event. “Please pray for me. I’ve never been so nervous because of the cut off times per km and no own water bottles allowed. Will be needing all the prayers,” she said in an Instagram post. “Here we go! Each km will be worth it as I run inspired knowing we are helping children who need us. I just hope I finish.”
This isn’t Anne’s first rodeo, but it did mark her return to the sport after five years since the pandemic and giving birth to her daughter, Dahlia. Dedicated to an active lifestyle, the 38-year-old has long been an experienced runner who previously took on the New York Marathon in 2016 and the London Marathon in 2018, both of which she also did as an ambassador for UNICEF.
Anne was originally slated to run in the 2020 Tokyo Marathon but had deferred her entry. Her decision to finally push through with it this year came in January, which meant she only had two months to train.
After finishing the marathon, Anne took to Instagram to express her feelings over her recent achievement. Her caption read, "Officially a @tokyomarathon finisher. Every single kilometre was worth it, knowing I was running to help Filipino children heal and recover through the funds WE (yes, this includes every single one of you that donated) raised together. Being a mother, now as well, I couldn’t help but get emotional when I crossed that finish line. It just hit a little differently this time around. Running with a purpose bigger than just receiving a medal kept me fueled."
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