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Compare Seoul MarathonvsTokyo Marathon

Choosing between Seoul Marathon and Tokyo Marathon? This page puts the essentials side by side — next race date, elevation, typical weather, field size, and entry difficulty — with a short overview of each course below.

At a glance

The headline differences between both races. Follow each marathon link for the full route map, elevation chart, and entry details.

DetailSeoul MarathonTokyo Marathon
Next raceSunday, 1 November 2026 at 8:00 amSunday, 7 March 2027 at 9:10 am
ElevationMostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 38m above sea level. ↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 mVery flat - approx. 44m above sea level. ↑ 60 m · ↓ 98 m · net −38 m
Typical weatherCool to mild and humid autumnCool to mild spring
Typical participantsApproximately 12k finishersApproximately 38k finishers
Entry difficultyVery competitiveVery competitive

About these races

Seoul Marathon

The Seoul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each November on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. It is a separate mass-participation autumn race from the spring Seoul International Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Read the full Seoul Marathon profile

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners through the heart of Japan's capital. The course showcases iconic landmarks including the Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza district before finishing near Tokyo Station. Known for exceptional organisation and enthusiastic crowd support, it is a bucket-list race for international runners.

Read the full Tokyo Marathon profile

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