How to Enter the Tokyo Half Marathon

Tokyo, the iconic metropolis of the Land of the Rising Sun, is well known in the running world. The city hosts one of the 7 World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon, but that is not all. In October, Tokyo also stages one of the world’s biggest half marathons. Some 15,000 runners line up on a course built for fast times. Taking part in one of the biggest half marathons remains a dream for many runners. Before you reach the Tokyo Half Marathon start line, you will need to secure your race entry.

✓ How do you enter the Tokyo Half Marathon? Find all the essential information in this guide.

No lottery required unless…

The Tokyo Half Marathon is one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious half marathons. Held in a global metropolis and iconic capital city, it attracts runners from every corner of the world. In recent editions, all 15,000 available entries have been snapped up very quickly. To meet demand, the organisers have introduced a lottery, as many major marathons have done, including the World Marathon Majors in London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Sydney. You will therefore need to keep a close eye on the lottery entry window. However, if demand remains below the available quota, entries are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. General entries usually open in mid-May.

The Tokyo Half Marathon charity programme

Through its Sports Legacy programme, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation raises donations for various charities. The initiative also gives 500 runners the chance to take part in the Tokyo Half Marathon through this charity programme. To join, you must donate at least 50,000 yen to a charity, equivalent to around €275. The race entry fee is additional and is not included. Only 500 places are reserved for the charity programme. The first 500 applicants to meet the requirements, completing the form and making the donation, secure their place in the race. Applications usually open in late April. Donations go to the chosen charity, depending on the cause selected through the donation site. These may include education, the environment, support for vulnerable communities and humanitarian aid.

Exclusive benefits with the ONE TOKYO PREMIUM programme

ONE TOKYO GLOBAL is an initiative by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation designed specifically for runners living outside Japan. It offers exclusive benefits aimed at increasing your chances of taking part in the Tokyo Marathon. Annual membership costs €190. Benefits include early access to entries before general registration opens. If you are not selected, you are automatically entered into the general lottery and then a second lottery reserved for members, giving you up to three chances to secure a place. You can also take part in virtual races free of charge and potentially win a race entry. Members who are not selected for three consecutive years can enter a special lottery for a guaranteed marathon place. Finally, if you want to become a pacer and experience one of the world’s biggest marathons from a different perspective, you can apply through your ONE TOKYO GLOBAL membership.

Reduced entry fee for students in Tokyo

To give local students the chance to take part, the organisers offer a special entry fee. Only Japanese students are eligible for the discount. Student entries usually open in May and close in July, subject to availability. Students must enter as teams of 7 to 10 runners and present a valid student ID.

Entry for semi-elite and elite runners

As with most major international races, the organisers have entry standards for elite and high-level runners. At the Tokyo Half Marathon, strong runners in the semi-elite category can bypass the lottery. The qualifying times are:

Under 1:20 for men
Under 1:40 for women

A number of places are reserved for semi-elite athletes. If applications exceed the quota, places are allocated from the fastest time downwards. Runners who are not selected can then enter the lottery. To be accepted, qualifying times must have been achieved at races holding a “World Athletics Label Road Race” designation or equivalent, within a specified period. The entry fee is the same as for the general public.

For elite runners seeking entry, the standards are even tougher:

Under 1:04:00 or under 29:30 for 10,000 m for men
Under 1:25:00 or under 37:30 for 10,000 m for women

Only runners who meet these standards or receive an official invitation may enter in this category. The organisers reserve the right to accept or reject each application based on the quotas and the strength of the applicant’s credentials.

Running one of the world’s biggest half marathons is something you have to earn. You can try your luck through the different entry routes.

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