On Sunday 1 March 2026 the twentieth edition of the youngest race in the Abbott World Marathon Majors will take place in Japan’s capital. The Tokyo Marathon Foundation will welcome up to 39,000 runners (38,500 in the marathon and 500 in the 10.7 km race), slightly more than in 2025. This edition arrives with several updates: revised entry fees, staggered registration windows, inclusive categories such as a non-binary option and the Duo Team programme, and increased prize money for wheelchair athletes. Below you will find all the information you need to plan your participation, from registration and course details to training advice, services and travel tips.
Key facts about Tokyo Marathon 2026
- Date: Sunday 1 March 2026.
- Location: start in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku; finish near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.
- Field size: 38,500 bibs for the marathon and 500 for the 10.7 km race.
- Time limits: seven hours for the marathon and 1 hour 40 minutes for the 10.7 km event.
- Entry fees: 19,800 JPY for domestic runners and 230 USD for international participants (5,600 JPY or 60 USD for the 10.7 km). The increase reflects rising organisational costs.
- Registration schedule: charity entry runs from 24 June to 9 July 2025; semi-elite and RUN as ONE (ONE TOKYO members) from 1 to 14 August; general entry from 15 to 29 August. If applications exceed available bibs, places are allocated by lottery.
- Expo and bib collection: takes place from 26 to 28 February 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight convention centre. Collecting your bib there is mandatory; there is no bib pick-up on race day.
How to enter: deadlines and categories
The entry system is structured into several phases. Charity entries allow runners to support partner charities and guarantee a spot to those who raise the minimum amount for their chosen cause. Next, registration opens for semi-elite athletes (men under 2:21 and women under 2:52) and for ONE TOKYO members through the RUN as ONE programme. Finally, general entry is open to anyone aged 19 or over. There are separate quotas for wheelchair athletes, with specific qualifying times and tailored prize money.
New for 2026, the entry form includes a non-binary gender option and the organisers will trial the Duo Team programme, allowing people with disabilities to take part as a pair (one pushing the other’s wheelchair). Duo Teams will start at 9:05 a.m. alongside the wheelchair race. These initiatives reinforce the event’s commitment to diversity and inclusion; more details can be found on the Tokyo Marathon diversity page.
Course and terrain
The course is almost flat and very fast, ideal for personal bests. Runners start in Shinjuku in front of the soaring Metropolitan Government Building. The route passes iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Dome, Ueno Park and the Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa. It continues through the upscale shopping district of Ginza and along the Tokyo Tower before finishing near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. There are a few tunnels and several 180-degree turns, so practise maintaining cadence and rhythm through tight corners.
The atmosphere is electric: hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets and traditional bands mingle with rock groups. The weather is usually cool at the start (around 10 °C) but can rise to 15 °C by midday. Start conservatively and use the return stretches to pick up speed. The flat profile favours fast times, as seen in 2025 when Ethiopian runner Tadese Takele won in 2:03:23 and Sutume Asefa Kebede took the women’s crown in 2:16:31 according to official results.
Services, inclusivity and updates
In addition to increasing the field to 39,000 runners, organisers have boosted prize money for wheelchair divisions. The race will provide universal changing rooms and toilets at the start, at the 10.7 km finish and in the main finish area. Accessible communication tools such as SoundUD will broadcast announcements in multiple languages. A sustainable cheering area at the finish will prioritise people with disabilities and families.
The Tokyo Marathon Expo is a must-visit event. Held at Tokyo Big Sight in the three days leading up to the race, it brings together running brands, talks and interactive activities. You must collect your bib and goodie bag at the Expo. In 2026 there will be a paid bag-drop service so you can leave your kit before the start and retrieve it at the finish. Aid stations every 2.5 km provide water, sports drinks, gels and fruit.
Elite athletes and recent history
Tokyo is one of the world’s premier marathon stages. In 2025 Ethiopian star Tadese Takele claimed his first major victory in 2:03:23 while compatriot Sutume Asefa Kebede defended her title in 2:16:31. The 2026 edition will again attract a world-class field, as the race doubles as a qualifying trial for the Marathon Grand Championship Series 2025-26 and the Asian Games in Nagoya 2026. Japan will also select its team for the 2028 Olympic Games here, so expect the nation’s top runners to chase national records.
Training tips for Tokyo
- Periodisation: allow at least four months of preparation, alternating build and recovery weeks to avoid injury.
- Simulate the route: include long runs on flat tarmac and practise 180-degree turns. Add marathon-pace intervals in circuits with tunnels to simulate changes in light and gradient.
- Beat jet lag: arrive several days early to adapt to Japan’s time zone. Adjust your sleep and meal schedule so you’re rested on race day.
- Dial in nutrition: practise taking gels and sports drinks during long runs. Avoid trying new foods on race day.
- Use technology: the SnapRace app helps you analyse your running form via video, plan tailored workouts and share progress with fellow runners. Its community will keep you motivated throughout your build-up.
Travel logistics and exploring Tokyo
- Air travel: Tokyo has two international airports. From Narita (NRT) you can reach the city centre via the JR Narita Express train or Limousine Bus; from Haneda (HND) take the Keikyu line or monorail to Tokyo Station.
- Getting around: the metro and train network is efficient. Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card for hassle-free travel and plan your journey to the start area in advance.
- Accommodation: districts like Shinjuku, Ginza and Asakusa are convenient for staying near the start and finish. Book early because hotels fill quickly during marathon weekend.
- Sightseeing: use race week to visit temples such as Sensō-ji and Meiji Jingu, stroll through Ueno Park and sample local cuisine in Tsukiji markets and the Shibuya district.
Final thoughts and call to action
Running the Tokyo Marathon 2026 is an unforgettable experience thanks to its flawless organisation, vibrant atmosphere and rapid course. If you dream of completing the six majors or chasing a personal best, you cannot miss this race. Check the registration dates, plan ahead and use the right tools to arrive in peak condition. The SnapRace app can help structure your training, analyse your form and keep you motivated. See you in Tokyo!