Tokyo – Belgian Paralympic marathoner Martin Clobert achieved a personal best time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 56 seconds at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, shaving nearly three minutes off his previous record. The performance marks a significant milestone as Clobert prepares for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, and comes despite a recent training setback.
Clobert, who is visually impaired, was guided by Valentin Poncelet and Sébastien Thirion during the race. His previous best time of 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 55 seconds was set in Berlin in September 2025, making this Tokyo result a substantial improvement. The athlete’s dedication to pushing his limits is particularly noteworthy given that his training regimen was recently disrupted by a knee injury.
A Challenging Road to Tokyo
The road to Tokyo wasn’t without its obstacles for Clobert. A training incident caused damage to his knee, forcing him to adjust his preparation for the marathon. Despite this setback, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately achieving a new personal record. This performance underscores his commitment to competing at the highest level and his ability to overcome adversity.
Clobert’s journey to becoming an elite athlete is an inspiring one. According to his profile on the Belgian Paralympic Committee website, he initially excelled in basketball before being forced to retire due to his worsening vision. He then explored blind football and minifootball before ultimately finding his passion in the marathon. His biography on Wikipedia details his transition to the sport and the support he received from the Ligue handisport francophone.
Preparing for Los Angeles 2028
The Tokyo Marathon served as a crucial stepping stone in Clobert’s preparation for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The race provided a valuable opportunity to test his fitness and refine his strategy ahead of the Games. The athlete’s performance in Tokyo suggests he is well-positioned to contend for a medal in Los Angeles.
Clobert was selected for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris after running 2h33.46s at the Marathon of Valencia. He finished 11th in Paris with a time of 2:38:34. As noted in his Wikipedia entry, he continues to work with coaches and support staff to optimize his training and performance.
A Physiotherapist and Athlete
Beyond his athletic achievements, Clobert is also a qualified physiotherapist. He studied physiotherapie at the Haute École Léonard de Vinci – Parnasse-ISEI in Brussels and currently works in the field. This dual role demonstrates his dedication to both physical well-being and athletic excellence.
The athlete’s success in Tokyo is also a testament to the importance of strong guide runners. Poncelet and Thirion played a vital role in helping Clobert navigate the course and maintain his pace. Their collaboration highlights the crucial partnership between visually impaired athletes and their guides.
News of Clobert’s record-breaking run quickly spread on social media. Belgium Running shared the news on Facebook, celebrating Clobert’s achievement and highlighting his dedication to the sport.
Clobert’s next competitive appearance is currently unconfirmed, but his focus remains firmly on preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. He will undoubtedly continue to inspire athletes and fans alike with his unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence.
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