© Tokyo Marathon
How to register for the Tokyo Marathon?
In front of the Metropolitan Government Building, thousands of runners eagerly await their turn each year. They come from all over the globe, united by a single ambition: to cross the starting line of the Tokyo Marathon. But before they get there, they must overcome another hurdle… registration. Participating in one of the world’s most iconic marathons is not something you can do spontaneously. Between lotteries, special programs, travel agencies, and charitable options, securing a bib for Tokyo is almost a marathon in itself.
✓ Discover in this article all the options available to you for registering for the Tokyo Marathon 2026.
| The lottery: an option open to everyone
Just like the New York Marathon or the London Marathon, the demand for entries is so high that organizers have implemented a lottery system to distribute over 35,000 bibs. Yes, the Tokyo Marathon also falls victim to its own popularity. With over 300,000 applications in 2025 and 37,500 bibs available, the success rate in the lottery is 12.5%. The advantage of this option is that it is free and open to all runners, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or performance level. Registration is open for about two weeks, and the lottery results are announced a few weeks later. Lucky participants can then confirm their entry for the race.
| What are the qualifying standards for the Tokyo Marathon?
Unfortunately, the Tokyo Marathon does not allow runners to qualify through timing standards. Only elite athletes can receive an invitation. A limited number of bibs are also reserved for “semi-elite” runners. This is through the “RUN as ONE” program, which allows runners with exceptional times to secure a bib. Men need to run faster than 2 hours 28 minutes, and women faster than 3 hours 09 minutes. Only about fifty bibs are available through this program. Other runners will need to rely on the lottery or participate in the charity program. Travel agencies can also be a way to bypass the lottery.
| Exclusive benefits with the ONE TOKYO GLOBAL program
The ONE TOKYO GLOBAL program is an initiative by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, specially designed for runners residing outside Japan. It offers exclusive benefits aimed at increasing your chances of participating in the Tokyo Marathon. The annual membership fee is €190. This program grants several benefits, such as early access to registration before the general opening. If not selected, you are automatically entered into the general lottery, followed by a secondary draw reserved for members, giving you up to three chances to secure a bib. You can also participate in virtual races for free and might even win a bib for the race! Members who are not selected for three consecutive years can enter a special draw for a guaranteed spot in the marathon. Finally, if you wish to become a pacemaker and have a different experience at one of the world’s largest marathons, you can apply through your ONE TOKYO GLOBAL membership status.
| Participate and support a good cause with charity bibs
The Tokyo Marathon also features a charity program similar to the Boston Marathon, Sydney, Berlin, and Chicago! The organizer offers an opportunity for those wishing to support a cause or association to run with a charity bib. This program is an excellent initiative for runners, making every stride count. The process is relatively straightforward. You simply select a partner organization of the Tokyo Marathon that you wish to support. You commit to raising a minimum amount of donations to confirm your registration. All the donations you collect will be directed to the organization you’ve chosen. Typically, you need to raise at least €1,500 in donations to secure your bib. While it is a significant amount, with your spirit of solidarity, you can have an emotional and meaningful experience at the next Tokyo Marathon.
| Participate in the Tokyo Marathon through travel agencies
Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun? If you’re a fan of running and want to explore this beautiful East Asian country, you might be interested in registering through a travel agency. This option provides numerous benefits. The first and perhaps most appealing: using a travel agency allows you to bypass the selective lottery. The second major benefit is logistical. The agency takes care of everything with all-inclusive packages that include travel, accommodation, the bib, and sometimes even sightseeing tours. It eliminates pre-race stress as everything is tailored to your preferences. The cost might be slightly higher than arranging the trip yourself, but let’s admit it, being relaxed before the start of a major race is priceless! The list of authorized agencies can be found on the official marathon website.
| When to register for the Tokyo Marathon 2026?
The date for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 is already set. Join us on March 1, 2026, in front of the Metropolitan Government Building to start the race. Depending on the option you choose to participate in the race, registration periods vary. For the lottery, mark August 15 on your calendar. Registrations will open on that date and close on August 29, 2025. For those who want to challenge themselves with a charity bib, registrations open from June 24 to July 9, 2025. Finally, for semi-elite runners and ONE TOKYO GLOBAL members, registrations will be from August 1 to 14, 2025. To experience the event as a volunteer, you can apply between October 30 and November 24.
Running one of the world’s most beautiful marathons is an earned privilege! Even if you don’t secure a bib for the Tokyo Marathon the first year, don’t get discouraged; luck can change.
