The Tokyo Marathon

Everything you need to know about the Tokyo Marathon

The only Asian event in the World Marathon Majors series, the Tokyo Marathon feels very different to the rest. If you haven't been to Japan before you are in for sensory overload. It is an intriguing country and its capital is like no other. Marathon running is massive in this country and this event is the pinnacle. Getting a spot is extremely difficult so if you do get one then make sure you make the most of every minute.

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Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, with a population of 14 million. It's located on Japan's largest island called Honshu and is the home of the Emperor of Japan, is the seat of government and the country's financial and economic hub.

Visiting for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. It does have some green spaces in the city centre, but it's more well known for its futuristic shopping and timeless history; wonderful contradictions that somehow work here. There is entertainment at every turn and fascinating dining where your palette is seriously challenged.

The city is divided into many neighborhoods that are themselves as big as many US cities and they are each different, with something unique to offer visitors and locals alike.

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Shibuya, where the average age isn't much over 30, is the "world's busiest pedestrian crossing", with upwards of 3,000 people at a time hurrying across. Youth culture reigns here with fashion brand-lined streets in Tokyo's apparel design district. This is in contrast to Ginza. This is Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants. Shinjuku is the district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a huge office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese office people after hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long. Ikebukuro is an old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly—but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still intact. Another fascinating neighborhood is Ikebukuro, also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. Finally there's Roppongi, a classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travelers. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and boasts a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural center with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

History of the Tokyo Marathon

The first Tokyo Marathon was held on 18 February 2007. Prior to the establishment of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation in 2007, the city of Tokyo hosted two separate marathon events for elite men and women, dating back to 1980 and 1979, respectively. The total number of runners in 2007 was set at 30,000. 25,000 people signed up for the marathon and 5,000 signed up for the 10K run.

Since 2007, the Tokyo Marathon has grown to over 300,000 applicants and nearly 36,000 participants annually.

In 2013 the Tokyo Marathon became the sixth event in the World Marathon series.

Race Organiser

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation, a government organisation.

When?

It's held annually in February or March.

It's a busy course from start to finish

Distances

Marathon only

Is there an Expo?

There is a large expo at Tokyo Big Sight South Halls 3-11-1, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, for three days prior to the race. It's a big show with many health and fitness exhibitors. All runners must attend to collect their bib.

How many runners?

37,500

The course

Conditions can often be challenging on race day so make sure you bring plenty of wet weather clothing with you and layer up. Late winters are cold and wet in Japan and they've had their fair share of bad weather for this event. You'll be waiting around on the start line at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a while so find somewhere with plenty of shelter, just in case.

The route, which is primarily flat, takes in many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower, which as with towers in most marathons, seems to almost be an ever present. At 333 meters high in the center of the city, it's the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. A symbol of Japan's post-war rebirth as a major economic power, Tokyo Tower was the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree, which you'll see at the 15km mark. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna. Thanks to the tower's central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. You don't actually run past it until 37 km but you can see it pretty much from the start.

The famous Tokyo Tower

For the first half of the course there's plenty of the city to take in, but nothing of any real note, or that international visitors will recognise. It's a chance though to take stock and enjoy where you are. Even though you probably won't have a clear what they're shouting, the crowds are enthusiastic and give you plenty of support. They even hold out bags to put your litter in!

At the 20km mark it starts to get really interesting. Tomioka Hachimangu is a large Shinto shrine right next to the famous Fukagawa Fudoson Buddhist temple. The shrine is the birthplace of Edo Kanshin Sumo Wrestling, so inscriptions that praise the achievements of the grand champions were made, and inside the shrine giant prints of the hands and feet of sumo wrestlers are preserved in stone monuments. A variety of events are held every month within the grounds, including shrine fairs, antique markets, and flea markets. It's a place that you need to come back to after the race if you haven't already been here.

At 30km you run through the Ginza district. Built on the site of a silver coin mint dating back to the Edo era (1603-1868), it's an area steeped in history. Its main street houses some of Tokyo's original department stores, along with boutique shopping and gorgeous, high quality restaurants and bistros. You'll be close by again at 40 km as unfortunately this is the site of three out and back legs that marathons don't enjoy. It's ok if you're at the front of the field but not great if you're not. Because the race is held entirely within the street of the city the organisers incorporate these 'dog legs' to make sure they can squeeze in 42km. It's good for spectators but not so good for runners who don't enjoy seeing those ahead of them coming the other way.

The race finishes at the hugely impressive Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards. Gyoko-dori is a symbolic space, the exact area you finish, connects the Imperial Palace (outer garden) and the gateway to Japan, Tokyo Station. Baggage pick up is easy and you get the usual goodies with some Japanese twists. It's well organised, but uniquely no photographs are allowed. All runners get a metro pass and it's easy to get back to the main hotels from here. Taxis are extortionate so always choose a hotel near a metro station.

And when you're done, go and get some pictures taken in the heart of the city!

What's unique?

Everything. It's unlikely that you've done an event like this one.

Do charities benefit?

There are many charities involved, mainly from Japan, US and UK and thousands of race entries are allocated to those charities. Runners can apply to a charity for one of these guaranteed spots and must agree to raise the agreed amount of fundraising if selected.

Our verdict

It's a truly fascinating event. So hard to get into, but that makes it even more special. Its status in the World Marathon Majors makes it much sought after and you'll meet plenty of others eager to do all six. A great trip and one you won't forget in a long time.

How to register

This is not straightforward. It opens in August and there are a number of different categories. Residents of Tokyo for example have their own category. If you apply to the ballot and don't get a spot (a small chance) there are the charity entries, but most charities are local and give preference to residents of Japan. If that doesn't work there are a number of overseas marathon tour operators who have entries. This is not a cheap trip, so be prepared. It's a once in a lifetime experience with a price tag to match.

Race website

https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/