The Tokyo Marathon is one of Japan’s most popular races that is held annually at the end of February or early March. Starting from Shinjuku and touring many popular tourist spots, it’s an exciting race with thousands of participants from all over the world!
About the Tokyo Marathon
Established over ten years ago, the first ever Tokyo Marathon took place on February 18th, 2007. Administered by the Japan Association of Athletic Federations (JAAF), the Tokyo Marathon receives over 300,000 applications every year!
Out of all these applications, only about 35,000 people are accepted into the marathon as participants due to eligibility requirements. Those that are accepted have the option to participate in one of the two races that are held that day.
Participation
The Marathon
To participate in the Tokyo Marathon, you must be at least 19 years of age on the race day and participants are bracketed depending on their skill. Brackets include: General public, Semi-Elite Athletes, Elite Athletes, General Wheelchair, and Elite Wheelchair.
Requirements per bracket vary from being able to complete the race within 6 hours and 40 minutes for the general public, to satisfying special requirements set by the JAAF
The 10km Race
To participate in the 10km race, you must be at least 16 years of age on the race day and much like the Tokyo Marathon, there are several brackets to participate in.
These include: Junior & Youth, Visually Impaired, Intellectually Challenged, Organ Transplant Recipients, and Wheelchair. Requirements per bracket are different, so please make sure to check the official Tokyo Marathon website for details.
Course
The Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon course starts off in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. From there, the Tokyo Marathon route takes you through the suburbs of Iidabashi, Kanda, and Nihombashi before visiting the popular tourist destination of Asakusa’s Kaminarimon.
The Tokyo Marathon route continues from there through Ryogoku, Monzen-nakacho, Ginza, Takanawa, and Hibiya, before finally crossing the finish line in front of Tokyo Station.
The 10km Race
Starting off at the same location as the Tokyo Marathon, the 10km race take participants through Iidabashi, Kanda, and finishes at Nihombashi.
Tokyo Marathon 2021
If you want to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Marathon, then make sure to keep an eye out on the official website during the summer months. Official Tokyo Marathon registration usually opens on August 1st (That for charity runners is on July 1st) and applications must be received throughout the month of August.
If the applications exceed the maximum number of participants allowed, then a lottery system is implemented, and you will be notified if you are selected to participate in the next Tokyo Marathon.
In 2017, there were over 300,000 applications from people all around the world, with application fees are 10,800 yen for Japan residents and 12,800 yen for overseas residents. The 10km race entry fees are 5,600 yen for Japan residents and 6,700 yen for overseas residents.
Let’s Race to the Finish!
So if you are up to the challenge, join thousands of people from around the world and push yourself to the limit at the Tokyo Marathon!
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