The Tokyo Marathon is the only Abbott World Marathon Major run in Asia, and the start of the spring Majors calendar each year. Held on the first Sunday of March, Tokyo combines a fast, flat course through the most modern stretches of central Tokyo with one of the most enthusiastic crowds of any Major. The race has been a cornerstone of the World Marathon Majors series since joining as the sixth Major in 2013.
This is Marathon Handbook’s complete Tokyo Marathon hub: race history, course details, dates, how to enter, where to watch, and live race-day coverage.
Tokyo Marathon 2027 — Key Information
- Race date: Sunday, March 7, 2027 (typically the first Sunday of March)
- Start time: 09:10 local (JST)
- Start location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku
- Finish location: Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side)
- Course distance: 42.195 km (26.219 miles)
- Field size: ~38,000 runners
- Time limit: 7 hours
- Entry method: Ballot (general), Run As One charity, RUNDIVO + tour operator packages, or fast-time semi-elite entry
The Tokyo Marathon Course
The course starts in Shinjuku, runs south through Iidabashi and Ichigaya, east through Asakusa (with views of Senso-ji temple), back westward through Ginza, and finishes near Tokyo Station. The course is flat (under 35 m of total elevation change), urban, and notoriously fast — though slightly less so than Berlin.
The course was modified in 2017 to be flatter and more record-eligible. Since then, both course records have fallen multiple times, with Kenenisa Bekele’s 2:02:40 set in 2023 being the current men’s mark.
Tokyo Marathon Course Records
| Category | Time | Athlete | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 2:02:40 | Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) | 2024 |
| Women | 2:15:55 | Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH) | 2024 |
| Men’s wheelchair | 1:20:54 | Marcel Hug | 2023 |
How To Enter The Tokyo Marathon
1. The lottery (general entry)
The general lottery is the standard route. Applications open around August each year for the following March race. Win rates have historically been very low (under 10% for international applicants) and have not eased significantly since 2020. Cost is around JPY ¥21,200 (~USD $140).
2. Run As One (charity) entries
The official Run As One charity programme offers guaranteed entries with a fundraising minimum of around JPY ¥100,000 per runner. This is the most reliable route for international runners outside time qualification.
3. Semi-elite (time qualification)
Runners with sub-2:32 (men) or sub-3:14 (women) certified marathon times in the previous 30 months can apply for semi-elite entry. Verified entries get an earlier start and a guaranteed bib.
4. International tour packages
Official international tour partners (including Marathon Tours, Sports Tours International, INTERSPORT) sell guaranteed-entry packages with accommodation, transfers, and pasta dinners. These have become the most common entry route for international runners given the very low ballot win rate.
How To Watch The Tokyo Marathon
- Japan: NHK / TBS (free, terrestrial)
- USA + UK: Eurosport / Discovery+
- Worldwide stream: Tokyo Marathon official YouTube live broadcast (Japanese commentary, with English commentary on partner streams)
Why Tokyo Is The First Major of the Year
Tokyo’s early-March slot makes it the season opener for the World Marathon Majors. For elite athletes, it’s the spring buildup race; for amateur Six Star chasers, it’s often the most logistically demanding Major to attend (long travel, expensive accommodation, low win rates). But the experience — running through the heart of Tokyo with cheering crowds at almost every km — consistently ranks as a top-3 Major experience for finishers.
FAQs
When is the next Tokyo Marathon?
The 2027 Tokyo Marathon is Sunday, March 7, 2027. The race is held on the first Sunday of March each year.
How hard is it to get into the Tokyo Marathon?
Very. The general lottery has roughly 5–10% acceptance rates for international applicants. Most international runners attend via charity (Run As One) or tour operator packages.
Is Tokyo a fast course?
Yes — Tokyo is among the fastest Majors. The course was revised in 2017 to remove the rolling hills and finishes that previously slowed it. Current men’s CR is 2:02:40 and the course is fully World Athletics record-eligible.
