A Complete Guide to the Tokyo Marathon: Everything You Need to Know
The Tokyo Marathon, which began in 2007, is a marathon event held in the 23 wards of Tokyo, taking place on the first Sunday of March each year. It is the largest marathon in Japan, with 36,000 citizen runners participating from all over the world. Additionally, 150 elite runners compete for world records. The event also involves 10,000 citizen volunteers. In 2010, the Tokyo Marathon received a Gold Label from the International Association of Athletics Federations, and since 2013, it has been part of the World Marathon Majors, making it one of the major marathons in the world. This page provides details about how to participate in the Tokyo Marathon and the course.
General Runners – Tokyo Marathon Participation Requirements
The general participation section is determined through a lottery after a pre-entry period held from June to August of the previous year. The competition is intense, with the marathon lottery odds being more than 10 times and the 10.7 km race lottery odds at around 3 times, making it an extremely popular marathon.
Marathon
- Must be 19 years or older on the event day.
- Must be able to complete the race within 6 hours and 30 minutes.
- Open to male, female, and non-binary participants.
- If a runner has a disability that makes solo running difficult, they may have one guide runner (guide dogs are not allowed).
10.7km
- Junior & Youth
- Must be aged between 16 and 18 on the day of the event.
- Must be able to complete the race within 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Visually Impaired
- Must be able to finish within 1 hour and 45 minutes, and possess a disability certificate.
- If solo running is difficult, one guide runner is allowed (guide dogs and other animals are not permitted).
- Intellectually Disabled
- Must be able to finish within 1 hour and 45 minutes, and possess a disability certificate.
- If solo running is difficult, one guide runner is allowed (guide dogs and other animals are not permitted).
- Transplant Recipients
- Must be able to finish within 1 hour and 45 minutes and provide proof of organ or bone marrow transplant via a disability certificate or medical certificate.
- Only organ transplant recipients or bone marrow transplant recipients are eligible.
- Wheelchair
- Must be able to complete the race in 40 minutes or less using a race-specific wheelchair and possess a disability certificate.
Elite Category– Tokyo Marathon Participation Requirements
- Athletes who meet the following criteria: ① Registered athlete of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations for 2024. ② Must be 19 years or older as of March 2, 2025. ③ Must have achieved the following official records in a certified competition between March 1, 2021, and the registration deadline:
- Men’s Marathon: 2:21 or less, Half Marathon: 1:01:00 or less, 10,000m: 28:00 or less
- Women’s Marathon: 2:52 or less, Half Marathon: 1:11:00 or less, 10,000m: 32:00 or less
- Athletes recommended by the organizers or the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.
- Athletes invited by the organizers or the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, both domestic and international.
Capacity
- Marathon: 37,500 participants
- 10.7 km: 500 participants
- Elite: 150 athletes
Tokyo Marathon Course
The Tokyo Marathon 2025 will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The course is a certified 42.195 km route starting at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishing at Tokyo Station on the Yūko-dōri. The major landmarks along the way include:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Iidabashi
- Kanda
- Nihonbashi
- Asakusa Kaminarimon
- Ryōgoku
- Monzen-nakachō
- Ginza
- Tamachi
- Hibiya
- Tokyo Station Yūko-dōri
Let’s take a closer look at the course!
Start to 5 km (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building → Iidabashi) The starting point is in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Surrounded by skyscrapers, runners will start from a wide road with a cannon shot. The first 1 km is slightly downhill, making it easier to get into a smooth rhythm. Near Iidabashi, you’ll see Kagurazaka on your left and the moat on your right, with the road becoming a little narrower.
5 km to 10 km (Iidabashi → Nihonbashi) This section passes through the Kanda and Akihabara areas. Expect a lot of cheering from the crowd here. Be cautious of a right turn and downhill section near Kanda Station to avoid tripping. The Nihonbashi area has a traditional atmosphere, giving you a feel of old Japan.
10 km to 15 km (Nihonbashi → Asakusa Kaminarimon) After passing Nihonbashi, the course heads toward Asakusa. When you spot the Tokyo Skytree, you’ll know you’re approaching Kaminarimon. The area around Kaminarimon (15 km point) is one of the most lively spots, with many spectators cheering. Many runners stop for photos here, so be mindful of maintaining your pace.
15 km to 20 km (Asakusa Kaminarimon → Ryōgoku & Monzen-nakachō) Crossing the Sumida River, this part goes near the Ryōgoku Kokugikan, home to sumo wrestling. You can enjoy a traditional Japanese view with sumo-related signs and sumo stables. Be careful when the road narrows, as you may come into contact with other runners.
20 km to 30 km (Monzen-nakachō → Ginza → Tamachi) After passing Monzen-nakachō, the course heads toward Ginza. At the 25 km point in Ginza, you’ll pass by luxury brand stores. The crowd support here is immense, lifting your spirits. By this time, you may start to feel fatigued, so don’t push too hard. Be sure to hydrate and refuel.
Around the 30 km point in Tamachi, the famous “30 km wall” looms large.
30 km to 35 km (Hibiya & Around the Imperial Palace) Entering Hibiya, you’ll experience the heart of Tokyo. Be aware that strong winds from the buildings may blow, so it’s a good idea to run in pairs for wind protection.
35 km to 40 km (Final Stretch toward Tokyo Station) At this point, you have just 7 km remaining. The course takes you around the Imperial Palace before heading toward Tokyo Station. Once you pass Ginza again, expect even more cheering from the crowd to help you push forward. Your body may be at its limit, but don’t overexert yourself. Maintain a steady pace toward the finish line.
40 km to Finish (Yūko-dōri) The last 2.195 km features a breathtaking view of Tokyo Station ahead. The final stretch is the perfect place to give it your all. The crowd’s support will push you to finish strong.
Safety Tips for Running the Race
Before the race, it’s important to assess your health. If any of the following apply, reconsider participating in the race:
- Fever or a sense of fever.
- Cold symptoms (mild fever, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose).
- Persistent fatigue.
- Discomfort or pain in the chest or back, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
- Lack of sleep the night before.
- Stomachache, diarrhea, or nausea.
- Insufficient food or fluid intake before the race.
- Lack of a clear strategy for running the race.
Items to Bring on Race Day
- Athlete bib (with timing chip)
- Wristband
- Smartphone or transport IC card (for emergencies such as race cancellation)
- Bag and baggage tag (for those who pre-registered)
Prize Money
- 1st place: 11,000,000 yen
- 2nd place: 4,000,000 yen
- 3rd place: 2,000,000 yen
- 4th place: 1,000,000 yen
- 5th place: 750,000 yen
- 6th place: 500,000 yen
- 7th place: 400,000 yen
- 8th place: 300,000 yen
- 9th place: 200,000 yen
- 10th place: 100,000 yen
- World Record: 30,000,000 yen (for the top male and female)
- Japanese Record: 5,000,000 yen (for the top male and female in Japan)
- Event Record: 3,000,000 yen (for the top male and female) *All prize amounts are inclusive of tax.
In addition, the Tokyo Marathon features an event called the “Tokyo Marathon Festival” on race day. You can enjoy performances of traditional Japanese taiko drumming and brass bands along the course, as well as street food stalls. The Tokyo Marathon is a fun event not just for runners, but also for fans cheering on the sidelines. How about going to cheer for runners from your country?
