The Tokyo Marathon happens every March and is probably one of the toughest World Marathon Major lotteries to get through. If you’ve scored a spot, here’s a guide to help you prepare for race day.
The Tokyo Marathon is one of those bucket-list races that combines a fast course with the chance to run through the heart of one of the world’s biggest cities.
But even though Tokyo is known for being relatively flat, there are still a few parts of the course you’ll want to prepare for.
With 40,000 runners taking part, preparing for Tokyo isn’t just about the course. You’ll also want to think about the food, navigating a different country, running in a large crowd, navigating the start, and handling the multiple out-and-back sections,
If you’re planning your next racecation at the Tokyo Marathon, here’s what you need to know for a smooth, fun experience.
Some specific 2027 details haven’t been released yet, so be sure to read your Runner Guide when it’s sent out.
Tokyo Marathon Tips
The Tokyo Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, March 7, 2027.
The point-to-point course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, takes runners through Tokyo, and finishes at Tokyo Station.
One thing you’ll notice on the course map is that there are quite a few out-and-back sections. Throughout the race, you’ll regularly see runners traveling in the opposite direction on the other side of the course.
It’s a fun opportunity to see other runners and possibly sport friends, but it’s also something you’ll want to be mentally prepared for, especially later in the marathon.
With any race, we have a few standard recommendations for our athletes:
- Try not to walk around a ton before the race.
- Have your pre-race dinner and morning-of meal with you or planned out, so you know it’s food you tolerate. Especially in a city like Tokyo, it may not be as easy to find what you’re used to eating the night before a long run. So plan ahead to avoid any GI issues.
- Review your Runner Guide to go over all the rules provided by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation. They take these rules very seriously, and you’ll want to avoid getting pulled off the course.
#1 Race Weekend Logistics
Traveling for an international race can be stressful.
Do as much of your planning ahead of time as you can so you’re not scrambling the weekend of.
Like any race weekend, book your lodging as early as possible so that you’re not scrambling the weeks before race weekend.
Tokyo food is very different, so research as much as you can before arriving. Either pack all the food you’re familiar with for carb loading or research what’s similar and which markets in Tokyo carry it. Save your more adventurous meals for that post-race celebration.
Also map out all of the important places (expo, race start, etc.). You can even use your shakeout run to practice getting to the starting line. That way, come race morning, you’ll know exactly where to go.
The more you plan ahead, the less stress you’ll have on race weekend. Don’t add more stress on top of your race day jitters, remember to control what you can.
#2 Train for the Course
Here are a few course-specific things worth preparing for ahead of the Tokyo Marathon.
Practice Downhill Running
The Tokyo Marathon starts out immediately with a nice downhill, so you’ll want to get your body used to downhill running before race day. It’s not as significant as a traditional downhill race, but you still want to be well prepared.
Add some controlled downhills to your regular runs and focus on staying relaxed rather than letting the hill pull you into a pace that’s too fast, way too early on in those 26.2 miles.
Prepare for a Crowded Course
With 40,000 runners, expect the course to be pretty packed for the entire race.
If you’re used to running solo, you may want to do a few local group runs during training to get used to running with groups.
Our biggest tip for crowded race courses is to avoid weaving around runners, because it wastes energy. If you need to slow down or walk, make sure you race your hand, then move to either side of the course.
Train for the Mental Side of the Out-and-Backs
Tokyo has several out-and-back sections where you’ll regularly see runners ahead of or behind you. Don’t let this get to you.
Practice breaking your long run into small chunks and focusing on the mile you’re in, so seeing runners farther along doesn’t make you think about how much of the 26.2 miles you have left.
Instead of letting it bring your mindset down, use it to get excited and fuel off their (hopefully) positive energy.
Set up a motivating playlist or have all of your mantras ready for when things get challenging, because marathons are often like roller coasters. Your emotions tend to go all over the place, and it’s important to have strategies for how you’ll deal with those mental hurdles.
Tokyo Marathon Time Checkpoints
This tends to be one of the parts of this race that causes anxiety levels to get pretty high. Tokyo Marathon has cutoff checkpoints throughout the course that runners must reach by a designated time.
If you don’t reach a checkpoint before it closes, you’ll be required to stop the race, no exceptions. Race officials can also stop runners between checkpoints if they determine they are too far behind the required pace to reach the finish in time.
The marathon will start at 9:10 am and close at 4:10 pm, giving the race an overall 7-hour window. However, runners must finish within 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The exact 2027 checkpoint locations and cutoff times will be included in the Runner Guide closer to race day.
If you expect to finish toward the back of the pack, review those times well before race morning and know what pace you’ll need to maintain.
#3 Marathon Expo
You’ll need to visit the Tokyo Marathon Expo before race day to pick up your packet. There’s no race day packet pickup.
For 2027, the expo will take place at the Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, Japan
Packet pickup hours are:
- Thursday, March 4: 10 am – 8:30 pm
- Friday, March 5: 10 am – 8:30 pm
- Saturday, March 6: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Unfortunately, no one else can pick up your packet. You also must present a photo ID when picking up your bib.
For security, runners will receive a wristband during packet pickup that must remain on through the finish of the marathon.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the expo; you don’t want to rush because of a late-arriving flight.
Expos can have a lot happening, so don’t forget your job is NOT TO BE ON YOUR FEET ALL DAY.
#4 Plan for Race Morning
When: Sunday, March 7, 2027 at 9:10 a.m. with multiple corrals/start times
With 40,000 runners heading to the same start area, give yourself plenty of time on race morning. Know which entry and starting area you’re assigned to before leaving your accommodations, and don’t wait until that morning to just wing it.
Lay out everything that you’ll need the night before, including your bib and race wristband.
You’re going to potentially walk a lot pre-race between getting to the race area, porta potties, around crowds, and then into your corral itself. Once you’re in your assigned area, sit down and relax until it’s time to go.
Give yourself time for the bathroom, because once you’re in your corral, plan on staying there until it’s time to start.
Gear Check
Gear check is optional for the Tokyo Marathon and must be purchased when you register.
If you purchased gear check, you’ll drop your bag at your designated location in the start area before heading to your corral. Once it’s checked, you won’t be able to access it again until after you finish.
Your pickup location after the race depends on the color of your race bib, so your Runner Guide will come in handy.
If you didn’t pre-pay for gear check, you cannot add it race weekend.
Corrals
Tokyo Marathon assigns runners to a specific starting corral and wave.
Your starting area is based on the estimated finish time that you provided during registration.
The marathon officially starts at 9:10 am, but the runners at the back of the field aren’t expected to cross the starting line until around 9:40 am.
You can’t move to a different corral or wave, and volunteers will be stationed throughout to check bibs before letting you enter your assigned area.
The exact corrals and waves for the 2027 will be released closer to race day.
#5 Tokyo Marathon Course Strategy
Let’s break down the key things to know over the 26.2 miles.
Course Support
Aid stations are located throughout the marathon course.
Because aid station locations and offerings can change year to year, check the official Runner Guide before race day for final details.
Pocari Sweat is the official hydration partner and what you’ll find throughout the race. Some of our runners have gotten their hands on it and tested it during training. We highly recommend it, especially if you have a more sensitive stomach. The more you can practice with what’s on course, the better!
Remember, 40,000 is a lot of runners. Don’t stop immediately at the very first bit of an aid station; try to move down the line a little to avoid congestion.
Also, don’t rely solely on aid stations being fully stocked. In the last few years, a handful of aid stations have run out of cups and hydration, leaving those at the back of the pack without any options. Plan ahead and train by carrying small hydration bottles or belts.
Miles 1-5
The beginning of the Tokyo Marathon includes the biggest and only downhill section of the course, so don’t let fresh legs and race day excitement convince you to go full send. This is where you need to remind yourself to be patient and avoid starting out too fast.
Let the downhill work in your favor while keeping your effort controlled. Your quads will thank you later.
Find a mantra that works for you and repeat it in your head to help slow down the first bit of the marathon.
Limit Your Weaving
No matter where you start on such a crowded course, you’ll need to pass people.
- Try not to make any massive weaves; this will add distance to your race.
- Just move slightly to the side and keep going.
- If you run into a large pile-up, it’s probably a pace group. Try to move to the side to get away from the pacer if you don’t like all the jostling.
Miles 6 – 20
Ok, you’ve made it through that downhill, and here’s where the course will flatten out, and it’s time to settle into your goal effort.
But here’s the next challenge: you’ll encounter several out-and-backs where you’ll see runners traveling in the opposite direction.
Enjoy the energy, but don’t compare where you are in the race to where they are. Stay focused on your own pace, fueling, and effort.
Miles 21-26.2
After mile 20, check in with how you’re feeling.
If you’ve stayed controlled and fueled well, you can start gradually increasing your effort.
Keep breaking the remaining distance into smaller pieces and stay focused on your race as you make your way toward the finish near Tokyo Station.
Tokyo Marathon FAQ
When is the Tokyo Marathon?
Sunday, March 7, 2027
Do you have to qualify for Tokyo Marathon?
No, you do not need to qualify to run the Tokyo Marathon. However, it’s very hard to get through the lottery with so many runners applying.
There are other ways to get entry, like charities, ONE TOKYO GLOBAL, and RUN as ONE semi-elite entry.
How big is Tokyo Marathon?
The 2027 race accepted a field size of 40,000 runners
Is there a cut-off time?
The event has a 7-hour race window. Participants must be able to complete the marathon within 6 hours and 30 minutes, with designated cutoff points along the course.
More information about the exact cutoff locations and times will be published closer to the race in the Runner Guide.
Can you defer your registration?
There are no deferrals, bib transfers, or refunds.
However, the race will make exceptions for pregnancy or postpartum. Runners will have until March 3, 2027, to submit a transfer request and also provide documents from their medical team.
Are there pacers?
Yes, the race has an official pacing team. Exact times will be published closer to the race.
Each pacer will wear a tall flag with their target time and start at the front of each corral.
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