World Marathon Major

Tokyo Marathon

TokyoTokyoJapan

Next race

Sunday, 7 March 2027

9:10 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Net downhill · 60 m gain

60 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

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.

Tokyo Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 38k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild spring
6–10°C · humidity 60–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:02:16 — Benson Kipruto (2024)Women: 2:14:29 — Brigid Kosgei (2026)

Course & terrain

Tokyo Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Tokyo Marathon is a single loop starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishing at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, passing Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Ginza, and the bayfront. The middle miles through central Tokyo are the easiest because the course is broadly flat, while the tougher sections are mostly the longer urban transitions rather than significant climbing. Crowd support is strongest around the start in Shinjuku, along the waterfront finish, and at organised cheer stations throughout the city centre.

Tokyo Marathon route map

Registration

Tokyo Marathon entry requirements

Entry is primarily through an annual public lottery. Applications open in August each year and results are announced in October or November for the following March race. With over 300,000 applicants competing for roughly 38,000 spots, acceptance is far from guaranteed. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, typically requiring a fundraising commitment of around ¥300,000. Elite athletes qualify through a separate invitational channel.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tokyo Marathon elevation profile?: The Tokyo Marathon has 60 metres of total climbing and 98 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 38 metres of net descent from start to finish.
Where can I find the Tokyo Marathon route map?: This page includes a Tokyo Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Kanda before returning along wide boulevards.
How long is the Tokyo Marathon?: The Tokyo Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the government district west of the Imperial Palace, near Tokyo Station.
What time does the Tokyo Marathon start?: The 2027 Tokyo Marathon starts at 9:10 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
How do I enter the Tokyo Marathon?: Entry is primarily through an annual public lottery. Applications open in August each year and results are announced in October or November for the following March race. With over 300,000 applicants competing for roughly 38,000 spots, acceptance is far from guaranteed. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, typically requiring a fundraising commitment of around ¥300,000. Elite athletes qualify through a separate invitational channel.
What is the Tokyo Marathon course route?: The course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes at Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake waterfront district. The route passes through Shinjuku, down into Asakusa (home of Senso-ji Temple), through Ginza, and along the waterfront. It is certified flat with minimal elevation change — total climbing is around 60 metres — making it a genuine personal-best course backed by world-class aid station organisation.
When exactly does the Tokyo Marathon take place?: Tokyo Marathon is held on the first Sunday of March each year. Race-day temperatures typically range from 5 °C to 12 °C (41–54 °F), providing ideal running conditions. This cool, dry window is one reason the course consistently produces fast times and is marketed as the PB-friendly World Marathon Major of Asia.
Is Tokyo Marathon part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors?: Yes. Tokyo joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2013 as the fifth race in the series, alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Runners who complete those six original Majors receive the Six Star finisher medal. Tokyo is often one of the hardest Majors to enter via the public lottery.
What should I know about race-day logistics in Tokyo?: The start area near Shinjuku City Hall is best reached via the Tocho-mae subway station on the Oedo Line. Bag drop operates in tents at the start, and gear is transported to the finish at Tokyo Big Sight (served by the Yurikamome monorail line). Japan's famously precise road-closure windows mean runners who fall significantly behind the pacers may be directed to the sidewalk — pacing conservatively from the start is strongly advised.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Tokyo.

TokyoTokyoJapan· 0 km away

Itabashi City Marathon

The Itabashi City Marathon hosts about 14,000 runners each March in a northern Tokyo ward known for its residential neighbourhoods and Arakawa River parklands. The course is a flat urban loop through Itabashi and neighbouring wards, offering a local-community marathon experience within the Tokyo metropolitan area without the congestion of central Tokyo races.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

SaitamaSaitamaJapan· 25 km away

Saitama Marathon

The Saitama Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each February on an urban road in Saitama, Japan. Wide roads and gentle elevation make it a promising fast-course option near Tokyo. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 14 February 2027

YokohamaKanagawaJapan· 29 km away

Nanohana Marathon

The Nanohana Marathon in Yokohama draws about 15,000 finishers each January on a course named for the rapeseed blossoms that line parts of the route in early spring. The race shares the Yokohama bayfront with views across Tokyo Bay and passes Kannai and the harbour district. It is one of several large January marathons in the greater Tokyo area.

Next race: Sunday, 24 January 2027

YokohamaKanagawaJapan· 29 km away

Yokohama Marathon

The Yokohama Marathon is a spring city race that attracts approximately 22k finishers through Japan's second-largest port. The course links Minato Mirai's waterfront towers, the historic Red Brick Warehouse district, and Yamashita Park with views across Tokyo Bay. Yokohama's flat coastal terrain and March race date make it a popular early-season marathon for Japanese runners and international visitors exploring the Kanto region.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

HiratsukaKanagawaJapan· 51 km away

Shonan International Marathon

The Shonan International Marathon attracts around 16,000 runners each December along the Sagami Bay coast between Hiratsuka and Kamakura. The course offers Pacific Ocean views, Enoshima Island vistas, and the relaxed beach-town atmosphere of the Shōnan region south of Tokyo. December's cool coastal weather and rolling seaside terrain make it a favourite winter marathon for Kanto-area runners.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

TsukubaIbarakiJapan· 58 km away

Tsukuba Marathon

The Tsukuba Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers each November through Japan's science city in Ibaraki Prefecture. The course passes Tsukuba Expo Center, Mount Tsukuba foothills, and the vast Kasumigaura lakeside plain on flat research-campus roads. November's crisp Kanto autumn makes it a popular regional race northeast of Tokyo.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

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