Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is an annual race that opens the calendar year of the “World Marathon Majors.” Unlike the Boston, New York, and other Abbott World Marathon Majors, it has the shortest history among them, but that does not make it any less popular. The marathon attracts tens of thousands of participants, with many more wishing to join.

History of the Tokyo Marathon

The youngest of the “Big Six,” the Tokyo Marathon was first held in 2007 as a successor to the Tokyo International Men’s Marathon. The inaugural race featured 25,000 participants, both amateur and professional. Its appeal to elite athletes stemmed from the fact that it served as a qualifying race for the 2007 World Championships held in Osaka.

Since 2009, the Tokyo Marathon has also incorporated the International Women’s Tokyo Marathon, which was previously held separately. This made the event even more popular. Just eight years later, it became an official member of the “World Marathon Majors.” It also holds Platinum Label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations.

Tokyo Marathon Route

The marathon starts with a fast downhill section, followed by a flat route through the city center.

The elevation difference between the start and finish points is 43 meters. Around the 35-kilometer mark, there is a 180-degree turn on the route.

The race starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishes at Tokyo Station, near the Imperial Palace. The route passes through Shinjuku, Chiyoda, Bunkyo, Taito, Chuo, Sumida, Koto, and Minato wards.

In the Tokyo Marathon, runners are placed into starting groups based on their previous marathon times or their expected finish times. The start group is indicated on the runner’s bib number.

There is a seven-hour time limit to complete the marathon, with additional cut-off times at specific checkpoints. The course is officially recognized and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

When is the Tokyo Marathon Held?

The race traditionally kicks off the calendar year and is held on the first Sunday of March. In 2020, the marathon was not canceled because it occurred before the COVID-19 outbreak escalated, but only 165 professional runners were allowed to participate. The race did not take place in 2021 due to the pandemic. In 2024, the marathon will be held on March 3.

How to Enter the Tokyo Marathon?

Registration for the Tokyo Marathon opens after the race and is conducted through the official website https://onetokyo.org/. The registration page https://onetokyo.org/english/entry/agreement is available only during the application period.

There are several ways to participate:

• Lottery: The application window is short and opens after the previous marathon ends. Only one application per person is allowed. Duplicate entries are disqualified. Payment is only required from those selected to participate.

• Run as One: For fast amateur runners who can prove marathon results that meet specific criteria. Open to men with a time under 2:45:00 and women under 3:30:00, from AIMS or IAAF certified races.

• Through a Tour Operator: This allows participants to register by purchasing a travel package that includes flights, accommodation, and race entry.

• Charity Entry: Donations must be made through organizations partnered with the Tokyo Marathon. The number of charity slots is limited.

Participants must be at least 19 years old to enter the marathon.

All Tokyo Marathon Winners

Below is a list of all Tokyo Marathon winners, men and women: