Japan · World Marathon Major
Tokyo Marathon 2027
Sunday 7 March 2027 · confirmed date
135 days to go
Key facts
- Race day
- Sunday 7 March 2027
- Confirmed by the organisers
- Start
- 09:10
- local time
- Course
- Mostly flat · Point to point
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku to Near Tokyo Station (Wadakura Gate intersection), by the Imperial Palace
- Course record, men
- 2:02:16
- Benson Kipruto, 2024
- Course record, women
- 2:14:29
- Brigid Kosgei, 2026
- Finishers
- 38,773
- in 2026
- Time limit
- 7h00
- First held
- 2007
The race
About the Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon has been run since 2007 and is one of the World Marathon Majors. It is Japan's largest marathon, and for 2027 the field grows to 40,000 runners. Held on a cool Sunday at the start of March, it is the first Major of the year.
The race is known for its precise organisation, its courteous, encouraging crowds and a course that links modern and historic Tokyo, from the towers of Shinjuku to the old streets of Asakusa and the shopping avenues of Ginza. It suits runners chasing a fast time in cool conditions, and anyone who wants a big-city marathon run with real care for detail.
Course
The Tokyo Marathon course
The race starts beside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and drops gently over the first few kilometres as it heads east through Iidabashi towards Nihonbashi. From there the course runs out to Asakusa and across to the Koto area around halfway, then returns through Nihonbashi and Ginza before a long out-and-back leg south to Shinagawa.
The last kilometres pass Hibiya and finish near Tokyo Station, beside the Imperial Palace. The profile is mostly flat. The early downhill makes it easy to go out too fast, so keep something in reserve for the few short rises in the second half, which feel bigger on tired legs.
Race-day weather
Race morning in early March is usually cool, around 5–12°C, and often dry, though cold rain or wind is possible.
Train
Training for the Tokyo Marathon 2027
19 weeks to go. A marathon plan runs 12 to 24 weeks and ends on race week. Here is when each one starts.
| Plan | Starts on |
|---|---|
| 24 weeks | Monday 21 September 2026 (already started) |
| 20 weeks | Monday 19 October 2026 |
| 16 weeks | Monday 16 November 2026 |
| 12 weeks | Monday 14 December 2026 |
For this course
Tokyo comes at the start of March, so most of your build falls in December, January and February. Plan for cold-weather long runs, and keep easy days genuinely easy rather than skipping them when the weather is poor. Practise starting with restraint on a gentle downhill so you don't spend energy in the first 5 km. If you fly in from Europe or the Americas, the time difference is large: arrive several days early and start shifting your sleep before you travel.
See the marathon pace chart or a sample sub-4 plan.
Print a pace band for the Tokyo Marathon, with the race clock at every kilometre.
Entry
How to get a place
Entry is mainly by lottery: a draw for Tokyo residents and a general lottery that overseas runners can enter. Other routes include charity places, the ONE TOKYO membership programmes and a challenge entry for members who have missed out in three consecutive draws. Demand is far higher than the number of places, so treat a lottery place as a bonus rather than the basis of your season.
2027 lottery From 14 August 2026 to 28 August 2026 · closed
Every marathon lottery date for 2027 → Which marathons have no lottery? →Organised by Tokyo Marathon Foundation
Official websiteQuestions
Frequently asked
When is the Tokyo Marathon 2027?
The Tokyo Marathon 2027 is on Sunday 7 March 2027. The organisers have confirmed the date.
When should I start training for the Tokyo Marathon?
Count back from race day: a 16-week plan for the 2027 edition starts on 16 November 2026, a 20-week plan on 19 October 2026. Most runners need 16 to 20 weeks; 12 is the shortest block worth doing.
How do I get into the Tokyo Marathon?
Most places are allocated by lottery, including a general lottery that overseas runners can enter. You can also run for a charity or go through the ONE TOKYO membership programmes.
What is the time limit at the Tokyo Marathon?
Runners have 7 hours. The race starts at 9:10 and the finish closes at 16:10.
Is the Tokyo Marathon course flat?
Mostly. It drops gently over the first few kilometres from Shinjuku, then stays close to flat, with a few short rises in the second half.
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