Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo, Japan · First Sunday of March
Gently net-downhill first half through Shinjuku, then flat out-and-back sections along wide avenues. Several 180° turnarounds late require patience, but conditions and surface make this a genuine PR course.
Course
Elevation gain
60 m
Net elevation
-38 m
Finishers
~36,000
Month
March
First Sunday of March
Race-day weather
Median start temp
9°C
Historical range
4–14°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Early March is reliably cool, though recent editions started a mild 13–14°C; rain is the main risk.
Getting in
Lottery. Lottery odds among the toughest of the majors (~10%); semi-elite program for fast times. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Tokyo Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tokyo Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 60 m of total elevation gain. We rate it 8/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Tokyo Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 9°C, with a historical range of roughly 4–14°C. Early March is reliably cool, though recent editions started a mild 13–14°C; rain is the main risk.
How do you get into the Tokyo Marathon?
Lottery. Lottery odds among the toughest of the majors (~10%); semi-elite program for fast times.
Is the Tokyo Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Tokyo Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.