Osaka Marathon vs Tokyo Marathon
Both flat, cold-weather Japanese courses with immaculate organisation. Tokyo brings Major status and a brutal lottery; Osaka offers nearly identical racing conditions with far better entry odds. If you need the sixth star, it has to be Tokyo — if you just want a fast Japanese marathon, Osaka is the smarter ticket.
| Osaka Marathon | Tokyo Marathon | |
|---|---|---|
| PR score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Month | February | March |
| Elevation gain | 85 m | 60 m |
| Net elevation | Flat | -38 m |
| Median start temp | 6°C | 9°C |
| Hot-year risk | Low | Low |
| Finishers | ~32,000 | ~36,000 |
| Entry | Lottery | Lottery |
| Boston qualifier | Yes | Yes |