Tokyo Marathon
The Lowdown
The Tokyo Marathon, first held as a full international city race in 2007 but with roots in Tokyo's long-distance running tradition, has grown into one of the world's premier spring marathons and a key member of the World Marathon Majors. The 2027 edition marks the race's milestone 20th anniversary, featuring a record field of 40,000 runners, the highest prize money among Abbott World Marathon Majors events, new para-athlete marathon divisions, and a Blue Impulse aerobatic demonstration. As the host of the 2027 Abbott WMM MTT Age Group World Championships, the event draws a deep international and domestic field—entered largely by lottery—and showcases Tokyo's modern skyline and historic districts while attracting elite athletes chasing fast times and age-group runners seeking a memorable city marathon experience. The event is AIMS-certified, holds World Athletics Platinum Label status, and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. The course is a largely flat, fast route that threads through Tokyo's iconic landmarks: it typically begins near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, passes the luminous shopping district of Ginza and the historic Nihonbashi area, skirts the traditional temples and festive atmosphere of Asakusa (near Senso-ji), and moves through the Marunouchi/Tokyo Station area toward a grand finish in central Tokyo. Early March weather in Tokyo is usually cool and favorable for fast times.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Tokyo Marathon 2026 Completed
Mar 1, 2026The 2026 edition of the Tokyo Marathon was held on March 1, 2026. The race is now complete and the 2027 edition (20th anniversary) has been announced for March 7, 2027.
Tokyo Marathon 2027 (20th Anniversary) Entry Open
Jun 23, 2026The 2027 Tokyo Marathon, the milestone 20th anniversary edition, is set for March 7, 2027. The race will feature a record 40,000 participants, the highest prize money among Abbott WMM events, new para-athlete divisions, and will host the 2027 Abbott WMM MTT Age Group World Championships. Entry is open via the lottery system on marathon.tokyo.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The race traditionally starts in Shinjuku near this iconic government complex with observation towers offering panoramic city views
Meiji Shrine / Yoyogi area
Runners pass close to the forested grounds of Meiji Jingu and the Yoyogi parkland early in the race
Ginza
The course runs through Tokyo's premier shopping and dining district, known for wide boulevards and upscale storefronts
Nihonbashi
Historic commercial center featuring the famous Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional milestone in Tokyo's road network
Asakusa (Senso-ji)
The route goes past the historic Senso-ji Temple and the traditional streets of Asakusa, showcasing old Tokyo charm
Tokyo Skytree
Runners see the towering Skytree landmark rising above Sumida, a modern symbol of Tokyo's skyline
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi
The marathon finishes near the red-brick Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi business district, a central and architecturally notable finish area
Tokyo, Japan
JP
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 19 years of age or older on race day
- Entry is primarily via lottery — entrants must register for the public lottery or apply through designated categories (elite, charity, tour operator)
- Elite entry requires meeting the Tokyo Marathon elite qualifying standards and approval by the race organizer
- Wheelchair and para-athlete categories require classification documents and prior approval by the organizer
- All entrants must complete online registration, pay the entry fee, and accept the race terms and conditions
- Valid photo ID or passport required for verification at bib pick-up (foreign participants must present passport)
- Medical clearance recommended; entrants must not have any medical condition that would make participation hazardous
- Participants must comply with anti-doping regulations and follow event rules, course marshals' instructions, and time cut-offs
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or Japanese residence card)
- Proof of age (passport or government-issued ID)
- Entry confirmation / registration receipt
- Emergency contact information
- Medical certificate (required for elite/wheelchair categories; recommended for general entrants)
Entry Methods
- Lottery
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Time Qualifier
- Elite Invitation
- Wheelchair Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds after registration is confirmed
Bib transfers or name changes are not permitted
Deferrals to a future year are not permitted
If the organizer cancels the race, entrants may be offered a partial refund or guaranteed entry for the following year at the organizer's discretion (administrative/handling fee may be deducted)
Medical withdrawals do not qualify for a refund, though documentation may be requested for record-keeping
The 2027 edition is the milestone 20th anniversary of the Tokyo Marathon, featuring a record field of 40,000 runners and the highest prize money among Abbott World Marathon Majors events.
The 2027 race will host the Abbott WMM MTT Age Group World Championships, making it a particularly significant event for age-group runners worldwide.
New for 2027: a para-athlete marathon division, new disability entry categories, a Duo Team division, and premium 20th anniversary finisher medals.
A Blue Impulse aerobatic demonstration flight has been confirmed for race weekend.
The flat, fast course passes iconic Tokyo landmarks including Ginza, the Imperial Palace area, Asakusa, and finishes near Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi business district.
General entry is held by lottery due to high demand; runners are strongly advised to use Tokyo's efficient public transportation on race day.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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