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Tokyo Marathon

March 7, 2027 · 9:10 AMTokyo, Japan

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Race snapshot

Race Day

47°F

39–55°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

131ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +10 ft

Participants

40K

World-class event

Crowd Rating

10/ 10

Legendary crowd support

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.

Mar 1, 2026: Tokyo Marathon 2026 Completed
The 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.
Jun 23, 2026: Tokyo Marathon 2027 (20th Anniversary) Entry Open
The 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.

2024 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – The race traditionally starts in Shinjuku near this iconic government complex with observation towers offering panoramic city views
02Meiji Shrine / Yoyogi area – Runners pass close to the forested grounds of Meiji Jingu and the Yoyogi parkland early in the race
03Ginza – The course runs through Tokyo's premier shopping and dining district, known for wide boulevards and upscale storefronts
04Nihonbashi – Historic commercial center featuring the famous Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional milestone in Tokyo's road network
05Asakusa (Senso-ji) – The route goes past the historic Senso-ji Temple and the traditional streets of Asakusa, showcasing old Tokyo charm
06Tokyo Skytree – Runners see the towering Skytree landmark rising above Sumida, a modern symbol of Tokyo's skyline
07Tokyo Station / Marunouchi – The marathon finishes near the red-brick Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi business district, a central and architecturally notable finish area
Time Limit: 07:00
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 19 years
Entry Methods: Lottery
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Time Qualifier
Elite Invitation
Wheelchair Entry
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)
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

Book Stay

01: 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.
02: The 2027 race will host the Abbott WMM MTT Age Group World Championships, making it a particularly significant event for age-group runners worldwide.
03: New for 2027: a para-athlete marathon division, new disability entry categories, a Duo Team division, and premium 20th anniversary finisher medals.
04: A Blue Impulse aerobatic demonstration flight has been confirmed for race weekend.
05: 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.
06: General entry is held by lottery due to high demand; runners are strongly advised to use Tokyo's efficient public transportation on race day.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer131ft gain, 47°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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