How to run the Tokyo Marathon: entry, training timeline and race weekend

1. Jun 24 to Jul 9, 2026Charity (donation) entry Run with Heart donation entries, applied for before the general ballot.Closed
2. Jul 31 to Aug 13, 2026Semi-elite and ONE TOKYO GLOBAL entry Separate windows for semi-elite runners and ONE TOKYO GLOBAL members.Closed
3. Aug 14 to 28, 2026General ballot Open to runners in Japan and overseas. Selection is a random drawing.Closed
4. Sep 18 to 30, 2026Results and payment Results came out September 18. Selected runners paid by September 30.Closed
5. Mar 4 to 6, 2027Tokyo Marathon EXPO Bib pickup before race day.Coming up
6. Mar 7, 2027Race dayComing up

Tokyo has no age-group qualifying table for the general ballot. Semi-elite entry has its own standards; see the official participants page.

We only list prices the race publishes. Flight and hotel prices swing too much by date and city to quote here.

1. Sun Nov 1, 202618 weeks outDay one of an 18-week plan Eighteen weeks is the length of the official Chicago Marathon training plan with Nike. Pick a plan that fits the running you already do.Passed
2. Sun Nov 22, 202615 weeks outBook travel and a place to stay Lock in flights and lodging before race-week prices and availability get tight. Use the race’s official travel or housing partner if it has one.In 15 days
3. Sun Dec 27, 202610 weeks outPick a tune-up race A half marathon in the middle of your plan is a good check on your goal pace. Races Near lists halves near you.In 50 days
4. Sun Jan 24, 20276 weeks outDress rehearsal long run Run a long run in race-day kit and practice with what the course hands out: water and sports drink at aid stations (see the Runner Guidebook for the exact menu).In 78 days
5. Sun Feb 14, 20273 weeks outTaper starts Follow your plan as it cuts back over the final weeks. Do not try to catch up on missed long runs now.In 99 days
6. Mon Feb 15, 2027Mid-FebruaryRunner Guidebook arrives Tokyo publishes the Runner Guidebook in mid-February 2027. Download your bib exchange voucher from My Entry.In 100 days
7. Sun Feb 28, 20271 week outRace week Read the official participant guide, confirm your bib pickup slot and plan your route to the start.In 113 days
8. Thu Mar 4, 2027Thu, Mar 4Bib pickup opens Tokyo Big Sight, South Exhibition Hall, 10:00 to 20:30.In 117 days
9. Sun Mar 7, 2027Race dayRace day Go get it.In 120 days

This is our suggested calendar, not a training plan. Use it to line up your plan of choice with the race's own dates. Running a different goal race? Try the pace calculator for your splits.

1. 0 to 7 km

   Shinjuku start to Iidabashi

   The lead runners start at 9:10 from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the last runners cross the start by 9:40. You must start in your assigned block, so settle in and run your own pace.

2. 7 to 13 km

   Koraku Bridge, Akihabara and the Uenohirokoji turn

   You pass Koraku Bridge around 7 km and Akihabara at 10 km, then turn at Uenohirokoji (10.6 km). Turnarounds are a good time to check your watch against your plan.

3. 13 to 21.1 km

   Nihombashi, Asakusa and Ryogoku

   Nihombashi at 13 km, the Asakusa area around 18 to 19 km, Kuramae Bridge at 20 km and halfway at Ryogoku (21.1 km).

4. 21.1 to 28 km

   Monzennakacho turn

   Turn at Tomioka Hachimangu in Monzennakacho (23.95 km), then come back over Kuramae Bridge at 28 km. Your supporters can see you twice on this stretch.

5. 28 to 37.5 km

   Nihombashi, Ginza, Hibiya and the Tamachi turn

   Back through Nihombashi (32 km), Ginza (33 km), Hibiya (34 km) and Shiba Park (36 km) to the final turn at Tamachi Station (37.5 km).

6. 37.5 km to finish

   Hibiya to Wadakura-Gate

   Hibiya again at 41 km, then the finish at the Wadakura-Gate intersection near Tokyo Station. The course closes for the last runners at 16:10.

Course records: 2:02:16 (Benson Kipruto, 2024) and 2:14:29 (Brigid Kosgei, 2026).

From the official 2027 course page.

• Bib pickup

  • Tokyo Big Sight, South Exhibition Hall.
  • Thu Mar 4 and Fri Mar 5, 2027: 10:00 to 20:30. Sat Mar 6: 10:00 to 17:30.
  • No pickup on race day. Bring the bib exchange voucher from My Entry.

• Getting to the start

  • The nearest stations are Shinjuku and Nishi-Shinjuku.
  • Changing tents are set up in the start area.
  • Start in your assigned corral and wave.

• Bag check

  • You choose bag check when you enter, not on the day.
  • Your bag pickup location at the finish depends on your bib color.

• Finish and meet-up

  • The finish is at the Wadakura-Gate intersection near Tokyo Station.
  • There is a Meet Area for runners and supporters after the finish.

• The course doubles back on itself, so supporters can see you more than once: Kuramae Bridge at 20 km and 28 km, Nihombashi at 13 km and 32 km, and Hibiya at 34 km and 41 km.
• Use the trains between spots. The start is next to Shinjuku and Nishi-Shinjuku stations and the finish is near Tokyo Station.
• Agree on a spot in the finish Meet Area before race day.