Two runners, Gina Bloise and Marlisa Mattia, will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 this coming Sunday, March 1. We caught up with Marlisa to get to know her better and what inspires her to take part in this incredible journey. Please consider donating to Marlisa’s fundraising page by clicking here.
ASF:This is your second marathon you’re running with Team ASF. What is it about the ASF’s mission that inspires you to not only raise money for the organization, but also inspires you to run these marathons?
MM: What inspires me most about running for this organization is its commitment to creating exercise programs for children with cognitive disorders, including autism, as well as supporting wounded veterans. I’ve personally experienced how transformative marathon training can be physically, mentally and spiritually.
Movement builds confidence. It builds resilience. It builds strength from the inside out. Knowing that the miles I run help provide those same opportunities to others gives every training session and race day deeper meaning.
ASF: How many marathons have you run in total? How many major marathons have you run in?
MM: Tokyo will be my eighth marathon and my fifth Abbott World Marathon Major. I’ve previously completed Chicago, New York, London and Berlin. Pursuing the Majors has been an incredible journey, and each race has represented a different chapter of growth.
ASF: Is training/running in your first marathon the most difficult, or do the ones after the first get harder and harder?
MM: Each marathon brings its own unique challenge. While the physical distance remains the same, the mental journey evolves depending on where you are in life.
Marathon training is as much mental as it is physical. Different seasons of life can impact how you train, recover, and compete. I’ve learned that every race teaches something new resilience, discipline, patience, and adaptability.
ASF: Have you ever been to Tokyo? If so, what do you like most about the city? If not, what are you looking forward to the most?
MM: Yes — I visited Tokyo on a group tour prior to COVID. I was immediately drawn to the culture, the kindness of the people, the history, the food, and the city’s remarkable balance of tradition and innovation. There’s a uniqueness and cleanliness to Tokyo that makes it unforgettable. I’m excited to return and experience it again through the lens of the marathon.
ASF: Do you have someone or something that inspires you to run in marathons?
MM: Yes — my grandparents have been a profound source of inspiration in my life. They came to this country from Italy with very little and built a life through hard work, perseverance and unwavering values. My grandfather’s legacy continues to guide me, and my grandmother’s strength and resilience remain a constant example. They instilled in me the importance of discipline, integrity, work ethic and never giving up principles I carry with me in every marathon and in my professional life.
ASF: What are some tricks that help you when you feel like you’re hitting “the wall” and struggling during your race?
MM: When I hit a tough stretch, I reconnect with my “why.” I remind myself of the purpose behind the race the organization I’m running for, the people who support me, and the personal commitment I’ve made. Breaking the race into smaller segments and focusing on one mile at a time helps me stay present. Resilience is built in those moments.
ASF: What advice would you give to someone who is about to run their first marathon?
MM: Stay committed and trust the process. There will be challenging training days that’s part of it. Consistency and patience are key. Most importantly, don’t give up. The marathon is a powerful teacher. If you respect the distance and stay disciplined, the finish line is incredibly rewarding.
ASF: Do you have a specific goal you’re aspiring to reach during the Tokyo Marathon?
MM: My primary goal is to finish strong and safely. Completing Tokyo will bring me one step closer to continuing my World Major journey, with Sydney in August and ultimately run Boston as part of that long-term vision. Each marathon is about steady progress forward, focused, and resilient.
Good Luck Marlisa, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the Tokyo Marathon 2026!
Marlisa is one of two marathon runners raising money and awareness for the ASF in this year’s Tokyo Marathon. If you’d like to learn more about Gina, our other member of Team ASF, and donate to her pages, click on her link below:
