Tokyo Marathon: 42.195km of drama awaits you!
The Tokyo Marathon began in 2007 and is held every March as one of the world’s largest urban marathons.
Over 30,000 runners start in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, passing through famous sites such as Asakusa, Ginza, the area around the Imperial Palace, and Shinagawa before heading to Gyoko-dori street in front of Tokyo Station. The course is easy to run on, with few elevation changes and curves.
You can experience the drama of the 42.195km course while enjoying the Tokyo cityscape that you normally can’t run through. There is also enthusiastic support from the roadside, encouraging the runners.
A special experience where you can feel the charm of Tokyo with your whole body
The Tokyo Marathon began in 2007 and is now in its 17th year.Every March, over 30,000 runners run through the streets of Tokyo, sending their excitement around the world.New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo.The Tokyo Marathon, which is listed among the most famous international marathons, is truly a dream stage for runners.
Its scale, course, and cheers from the sidelines are all of the highest quality.
Course Overview
・Starting point：In front of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
・0km to 5km：Immediately after the start, there is a downhill slope, so a high-paced race is expected.
・5km and beyond：Head towards Tokyo Dome from the Iidabashi intersection and onto the new course.
・Up to 10km：Turn right at the Suidobashi intersection and return to the old course at the Jimbocho intersection.
・10km：Turn left at the Sudacho intersection and run through Akihabara’s main street.
・Up to 20km：An area with a string of good old townscapes. Ueno Hirokoji is the first turnaround point. From here, the course heads south to Nihonbashi. After that, it heads towards Asakusa Kaminarimon. From here you can see Tokyo Skytree.
・20km：The 20km point is on top of Kuramae Bridge over the Sumida River. Pass beside the Edo-Tokyo Museum and turn back at Monzen-Nakacho. This is an area with many small ups and downs on Kiyosumi-dori.
・30km：Pass the 30km point near Hamacho and run through the glamorous streets of Ginza and Sukiyabashi.
・40km：After passing the Shiba area where Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple await, turn back at Tamachi. You can see Tokyo Tower again. Turn right at the Hibiya intersection and turn left at the Nakadori entrance, and there is 1km left. The cobblestoned and atmospheric Marunouchi Nakadori will support your final sprint.
Finish point：Tokyo Station, Gyoko-dori
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference: The course is remarkably flat and fast. It starts at an elevation of about 33m at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and descends to near sea level. There are no major hills like the bridges of New York, making it an ideal course for setting a personal best.
・Weather: Tokyo, where the race is held in early March, usually has cool and crisp weather perfect for running. The average temperature is 6-12°C, and it is often sunny with low humidity and gentle winds.
Participants’ comments
・ “The experience far exceeded my expectations. The organization was perfect and I couldn’t stop smiling!”
・ “The support from the sidelines was so polite yet enthusiastic. It was the best time!”
・ “The view of the Tokyo Station finish line is something I’ll never forget.”
・ “Asakusa felt like a traditional festival just for the runners.”
・ “It felt like the whole of Tokyo was embracing the runners with Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi).”
・ “I felt like a pro athlete for 42km. I’ve never experienced such a smooth and exciting race.”
・ “The energy of running through Shinjuku and the inspiration from seeing the elite runners pass by made this experience really special.”
・ “The support from the volunteers was incredibly warm (I highly recommend thanking them as you run!).”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Tokyo Marathon is to use the early downhill from Shinjuku to find a comfortable pace without going too fast. Use the lively energy in Asakusa and the wide, flat roads of Ginza to maintain your rhythm. Save some energy for the final stretch towards Tokyo Station, where the crowds are thickest. Since the course is flat, it’s a great opportunity for a fast time, so focus on steady pacing and enjoy the unique sights of the capital.
The Tokyo Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run through a city where tradition meets the future with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2026 Tokyo Marathon Summary
・Date and time: March 1, 2026
・Number of finishers: 37,235 (Men: 27,480, Women: 9,716, Non-binary: 39)
・Average time: 4:28:00 (Men: 4:15:00, Women: 4:45:00, Non-binary: 4:40:00) *Estimated
MEN
1: Tadese Takele: 2:03:37
2: Geoffrey Troitytch: 2:03:37
3: Alexander Mutiso: 2:03:38
4: Daniel Mateiko: 2:03:44
5: Muktar Edris: 2:04:07
6: Iliass Aouani: 2:04:26
7: Bethwell Kiprotich: 2:04:31
8: Victor Kipchirchir: 2:04:35
9: Sisay Lemma: 2:04:41
10: Haimro Alame: 2:04:45
WOMEN
1: Brigid Kosgei: 2:14:29 (Course Record)
2: Bertukan Welde: 2:16:36
3: Hawi Feysa: 2:17:39
4: Sutume Asefa Kebede: 2:17:39
5: Megertu Alemu: 2:18:50
6: Meseret Abebayahau: 2:19:10
7: Tiruye Mesfin: 2:19:30
8: Workenesh Edesa: 2:20:10
9: Pascalia Jepkosgei: 2:21:39
10: Ai Hosoda: 2:23:39
2027 Tokyo Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the streets of Tokyo, breaking your personal best and experiencing something unforgettable.
・Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Start)
・Date and time: March 7, 2027
・Start time: 9:10am
Tokyo: A city of infinite possibilities where the past and future intersect
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world’s leading megacities.Its charm is so full of diversity that it is difficult to describe it in a single word.A unique culture that combines tradition and innovation, cutting-edge trends that lead the world, and abundant nature all blend together in harmony, continuing to attract visitors.
Walking the streets of Tokyo, you may feel as if you have traveled back in time.Historical buildings such as the Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and Meiji Shrine still have a strong presence today, conveying Japan’s traditional culture.Then, just one step further, Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing and Shinjuku’s skyscrapers unfold a futuristic city-like scene.In this way, Tokyo is a city where tradition and innovation coexist, and you can experience a unique culture where the past and the future intersect.
Tokyo is also a city that is constantly creating new trends.Shibuya and Harajuku are the epicenters of youth culture, sparking new movements in various fields such as fashion, music, and art.Ginza is also lined with luxury brand stores, and is the source of Japan’s cutting-edge trends.Tokyo is a city that attracts trend-conscious people from all over the world and is always providing new stimulation.
The streets of Tokyo have a variety of expressions that are difficult to describe in a single word.Shinjuku is a business district lined with skyscrapers, but also has lush parks such as Shinjuku Gyoen.Shibuya is the center of youth culture and is always full of energy.Ginza is characterized by its sophisticated streets lined with luxury brand stores.In this way, each area of Tokyo has a different face, and you can feel the diverse charms by walking through the various streets.
Tokyo is also a place where gourmet food from all over the world comes together.In addition to Japanese cuisine such as sushi and tempura, you can also enjoy ramen, curry rice, and cuisine from all over the world.
There is also a wide selection of sweets, and many popular restaurants have long lines.Tokyo is a veritable treasure trove of gourmet food that is irresistible for gourmets.
Although Tokyo is a large city, it is also rich in nature.There are many lush parks, such as Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and the area around the Imperial Palace.If you go a little further, you will also find natural areas such as Mount Takao.Tokyo is a city where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature.It is also easy to travel to various parts of the city, making it an easy city to visit.Tokyo serves as an access hub that can be used not only as a base for travel within Japan, but also for overseas travel.
Tokyo is a fascinating city where you will find something new no matter how many times you visit.What new discoveries will you make in this city where the past and the future intersect?We encourage you to visit Tokyo and experience its charm for yourself.
