About Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is Japan's largest road race and one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and Sydney. Held each year in early March, it sends around 38,000 runners on a 42.195-kilometre journey through the heart of the capital, past landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. This live countdown shows how many days remain in your timezone.
First run on February 18, 2007, the Tokyo Marathon quickly grew into one of the world's most popular marathons, joining the World Marathon Majors series in 2013. Demand for places far outstrips supply, with a ballot drawing hundreds of thousands of applicants for a coveted start. Famed for its meticulous organisation, enthusiastic crowds and fast, flat course, it attracts elite record-chasers and amateur "Six Star" medal hunters from around the globe.
The Tokyo Marathon is held on a Sunday in early March, with the exact date set by organisers each year. This countdown targets the next edition and rolls over once the runners cross the line. Whether you are chasing a place in the ballot, supporting a charity runner or tracking the elites, bookmark the live Tokyo Marathon countdown or add it to your own page.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, March 1, 2027next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, March 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, March 1, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, March 1, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, March 1, 2031 |
FAQ
When is the Tokyo Marathon?
The Tokyo Marathon is held on a Sunday in early March each year. The countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next race in your timezone.
Why is the Tokyo Marathon important?
It is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and Japan's biggest marathon, a showcase for elite distance running and a bucket-list race for amateur runners.
How big is the Tokyo Marathon?
Around 38,000 runners take part, chosen largely by ballot from hundreds of thousands of applicants, plus elite fields chasing fast times on the flat course.
When was the first Tokyo Marathon?
The first Tokyo Marathon was run on February 18, 2007; it joined the World Marathon Majors in 2013.