When is the Tokyo Marathon held?

The Tokyo Marathon is held in early March, typically the first Sunday. Weather is cool and generally favorable for marathon running, with temperatures usually in the 40s-50s°F (5-15°C).

How do I enter the Tokyo Marathon?

Entry options include lottery for Japanese residents, international lottery, time-qualified entry, charity runners, or travel packages through official tour operators. The lottery has a low success rate due to high demand.

Is Tokyo Marathon a good course for fast times?

Yes, Tokyo features a relatively flat course with excellent organization. The course is IAAF/AIMS certified and known for facilitating fast times. It's popular with runners seeking personal records or qualifying times.

What cultural aspects should I know about Tokyo Marathon?

Japanese efficiency and hospitality are on full display - expect impeccable organization, well-stocked aid stations, and respectful crowds. Learn basic Japanese phrases, respect local customs, and enjoy unique cultural experiences along the route.

What is the course like?

The course starts in Shinjuku, passes Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and finishes at Tokyo Station. You'll experience modern skyscrapers, historic sites, and organized spectator zones throughout.

Tokyo Marathon

One of the World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon showcases Japan's capital through a scenic, flat route. Starting in Shinjuku and finishing at Tokyo Station, runners experience modern skyscrapers, historic temples, and impeccable organization.

Tokyo, Japan · March · 42.195 km (26.2 mi)

easy

Elevation profile

42.3 km course

GAIN+256 m

LOSS−293 m

Plan your splits

42.195 km · 26.2 mi · Tokyo, Japan

Goal finish time

Even-pace target

9:09

min/mi

Even-pace

4:00:00

Grade-adjusted

4:00:12

+0:12

Grade-adjusted splits

Strava Adjusted Pace · per mile

#	Grade	Pace	Split	Cumulative
1	-0.7%	9:00/mi	9:00	9:00
2	-1.0%	8:58/mi	8:58	17:58
3	-0.5%	9:03/mi	9:03	27:01
4	-1.2%	8:55/mi	8:55	35:56
5	+0.4%	9:09/mi	9:09	45:05
6	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	54:14
7	+0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:03:23
8	+0.4%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:12:33
9	-0.8%	9:00/mi	9:00	1:21:33
10	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:30:42
11	+0.7%	9:22/mi	9:22	1:40:03
12	-0.5%	9:03/mi	9:03	1:49:06
13	-0.4%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:58:15
14	-0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:07:25
15	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:16:34
16	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:25:43
17	+0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:34:52
18	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:44:01
19	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:53:11
20	+0.8%	9:24/mi	9:24	3:02:35
21	-0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:11:44
22	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:20:53
23	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:30:03
24	-0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:39:12
25	+0.9%	9:26/mi	9:26	3:48:37
26	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:57:47
27	-0.6%	9:02/mi	1:59	3:59:45

Splits factor the course elevation. Steep climbs widen the pace, descents tighten it — total time on the right matches the grade-adjusted finish above.

Course highlights

Shinjuku to Tokyo Station

Tokyo is the most polished World Marathon Major you'll ever run. Wide roads, perfect course markings, fueling at every 5 km. The published course is flat; the GPS-recorded profile above shows more variation because of bridges and underpasses — treat the chart as directional, not literal.

Start at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
Pass through Hibiya, Ginza, and other iconic neighborhoods
View Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace along the route
Experience impeccable Japanese organization and hospitality
Asakusa Temple area with traditional architecture
Wide, well-marked roads perfect for fast times
Finish at Tokyo Station in the heart of the city

Race-day tips

Trust the organization, trust the course

Early March weather can be cold - prepare for temperatures around 5-15°C
Hydration stations every 5km with water and sports drinks
Limited spectator access in some areas due to security
Course is extremely flat - great opportunity for a PR
Japanese crowd support is polite but enthusiastic
Post-race facilities and medal ceremony are exceptional

Difficulty

Flat, fast course through Tokyo's iconic landmarks

Published course is mostly flat — wide roads, fast times
GPS-recorded profile shows ~250m gain, but treat the chart as approximate
Wide roads
Fast times possible

FAQ

Tokyo Marathon FAQs

When is the Tokyo Marathon held?: The Tokyo Marathon is held in early March, typically the first Sunday. Weather is cool and generally favorable for marathon running, with temperatures usually in the 40s-50s°F (5-15°C).
How do I enter the Tokyo Marathon?: Entry options include lottery for Japanese residents, international lottery, time-qualified entry, charity runners, or travel packages through official tour operators. The lottery has a low success rate due to high demand.
Is Tokyo Marathon a good course for fast times?: Yes, Tokyo features a relatively flat course with excellent organization. The course is IAAF/AIMS certified and known for facilitating fast times. It's popular with runners seeking personal records or qualifying times.
What cultural aspects should I know about Tokyo Marathon?: Japanese efficiency and hospitality are on full display - expect impeccable organization, well-stocked aid stations, and respectful crowds. Learn basic Japanese phrases, respect local customs, and enjoy unique cultural experiences along the route.
What is the course like?: The course starts in Shinjuku, passes Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and finishes at Tokyo Station. You'll experience modern skyscrapers, historic sites, and organized spectator zones throughout.