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. Held on 1 March 2026 with a 09:10 mass start, the race 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, making it a target for athletes pursuing championship standards and qualifying marks. 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. Runners enjoy broad, well-paved avenues, plentiful water and aid stations, and enthusiastic roadside cheering from local crowds and international supporters. Early March weather in Tokyo is usually cool and favorable for fast times, and the event’s meticulous organization, clear signage, and strong volunteer presence combine to create a polished, supportive race-day atmosphere appreciated by first-timers and seasoned marathoners alike.
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 2025 Sees Record International Participation
Mar 2, 2025The 2025 edition welcomed over 38,000 runners with increased international entries following the full reopening of Japan's borders, setting the stage for an even larger 2026 race.
Tokyo Marathon 2026 Registration Opens with New Lottery System
Aug 1, 2025Organizers announced an enhanced lottery system for the 2026 race, featuring priority slots for Abbott World Marathon Majors participants and improved chances for first-time international applicants.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Notable Landmarks
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
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Must be 19 years of age or older on race day (born on or before 2007-03-01)
- 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 (national/international record or specified qualifying times) 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
- No use of unauthorized pacemakers or performance-enhancing substances; entrants must comply with anti-doping regulations
- Participants must follow event rules, course marshals' instructions, and time cut-offs specified by the organizer
- Charity and tour operator entries are subject to additional requirements set by the respective partners
- 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)
- Lottery
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Time Qualifier
- Elite Invitation
- Wheelchair Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
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 Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and regularly attracts a deep international elite field alongside tens of thousands of mass participants.
The flat, fast course passes iconic Tokyo landmarks including the Tokyo Tower area, the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and finishes near Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi business district.
Race weekend includes a large runners' expo (traditionally at Tokyo Big Sight), a charity program and community events, and general-entry registration is held by lottery due to high demand.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and technical race shirt, and the event provides plentiful post-race refreshments and medical support in the finish area.
Runners are strongly advised to use Tokyo's efficient public transportation (most roads are closed on race day), expect aid stations approximately every 2–3 km with water and sports drink, and plan spectator meeting points near major landmarks like Ginza and the Imperial Palace.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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