One of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon serves as a grand tour through the cultural timeline of Japan's capital. The route symbolically represents the "Past, Present, and Future" of Tokyo, starting from the futuristic skyscrapers of the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, winding through the electric pulse of Akihabara, touching the historic Edo-period roots in Asakusa, and concluding in the modern Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace.

The immense crowd support and architectural grandeur create an atmospheric energy that rivals any race in the world.

From a technical standpoint, Tokyo offers a fast, net-downhill course that demands tactical maturity. The elevation profile drops approximately 100 feet in the first three miles, which can tempt runners to start too aggressively. Once the course stabilizes near Iidabashi, it becomes predominantly flat with long, wide avenues.

The real challenge emerges from the technical "X-shaped" layout featuring multiple out-and-back sections and 180-degree turnarounds. These turns disrupt rhythm and require constant re-acceleration. While the course lacks mountain climbs, the bridge crossings in the second half function as "virtual hills," testing fatigued legs just as the marathon grind intensifies.

With a 9:10 AM start time, runners miss the cool pre-dawn temperatures typical of other majors. Historical data shows a distinct warming trend, with temperatures potentially climbing from the low 50s at the start to the mid-to-high 60s (°F) by the finish.

• Event Date: 2026-03-01
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.22 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.86
• Total Ascent: 694.82 ft
• Total Descent: 795.05 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 10.5, 0.51 mi at an average grade of 0.39%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 3.26, 0.62 mi at an average grade of -0.67%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 17.22, 0.21 mi at an average grade of 2.05%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 26.18, 0.04 mi at an average grade of -7.91%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 1 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 1 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 86.8%
  • Minor Decline: 6.6%
  • Minor Incline: 5.4%
  • Moderate Decline: 0.4%
  • Moderate Incline: 0.4%
  • Challenging Decline: 0.4%

The race begins at 9:10 AM in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Since the start is well after sunrise, the sun will already be climbing and the air warming noticeably from the early morning lows.

The course drops immediately, losing over 100 feet in the first few miles through the wide, modern streets of Shinjuku. This descent isn't uniform; watch for a distinct dip near mile 1.8 that can stress cold muscles if you brake too hard against it.

The key here is to flow with gravity without trying to "bank time." Let the downhill work for you, but stay controlled and within your planned pace range.

• Gravity Trap: The -3% grade drop between Mile 1.8 and 2.0 will feel significant. Do not sprint this. Let gravity pull you, but keep your core engaged to protect your quads from eccentric loading damage.
• Crowd Density: With nearly 39,000 runners starting on a downhill, the risk of tripping or erratic pacing is high. Maintain your lane and avoid weaving to pass slower runners in the first mile.

• None.

• Descent #1: Mile 1.83 to Mile 2.04, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.04%, total drop 32.78 ft

• Iidabashi Area (Mile 3.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: Yes

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (~Mile 0.1) (Spectator Zone): The iconic twin-towered skyscraper that serves as the starting backdrop.
• Kabukicho District (~Mile 1.1): Passing near Tokyo's most famous entertainment and nightlife district.

After the initial drop, the course settles into its primary character: flat, fast, and urban. You'll pass through the academic hub of Kanda and the 'Electric Town' of Akihabara, where neon signs and electronics stores create a uniquely Tokyo atmosphere.

There are several turns here as you navigate city blocks, but the elevation profile remains dead flat. This is your opportunity to dial in your target pace and conserve energy for the miles ahead.

You're heading toward Nihombashi, the historic zero-mile marker for all roads in Japan. This iconic bridge symbolizes not just the start of your journey through the city's geography, but also through centuries of its history.

• Visual Distraction: Akihabara (Mile 6) is sensory overload with anime billboards and electronic stores. Enjoy the energy, but don't let the excitement spike your heart rate.
• Tangent Efficiency: With the city block turns, running wide can add significant distance. Focus on running the tangents (shortest line) through these corners.

• None.

• None.

• Sotobori-dori (Mile 4.3)
  • Offerings: Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kanda / Ochanomizu (Mile 6.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Nihombashi (Mile 7.5)
  • Offerings: Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Asakusa Approach (Mile 9.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Akihabara Electric Town (~Mile 6) (Spectator Zone): Center of Japan's otaku (geek) culture and electronics.
• Nihombashi Bridge (~Mile 8.2) (Spectator Zone): The historic bridge from which all distances in Japan are traditionally measured.

This section provides the biggest emotional lift of the first half. You run north into Asakusa, greeted by the thunderous crowds near the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) of Senso-ji Temple. The energy here is electric—thousands of spectators create a wall of sound that will carry you forward.

The course includes a 180-degree turn at Mile 11.4. While the cheering is deafening and motivating, the sharp deceleration and re-acceleration required by this turnaround can disrupt your rhythm. Take the turn conservatively to maintain your momentum.

Following this pivot, you run alongside the Sumida River. Be aware of the wind exposure here—without the tall buildings to shield you, a headwind off the water can subtly increase your effort level. This stretch offers beautiful views but requires attention to pacing as the conditions change from the protected city streets.

• The Asakusa Turnaround: Mile 11.4 features a complete reversal of direction. Slow down smoothly entering the turn to spare your ankles and hips, then build pace gradually on the exit.
• Wind Exposure: Running parallel to the Sumida River exposes you to the elements. Draft off other runners if the wind is noticeable.
• Warming Temperatures: By Mile 13 (approx. 11:00 AM+ for many), the sun is high. Use the aid stations for cooling (water on head/neck) before you feel overheated.

• None.

• None.

• Sumida River / Asakusa (Mile 10.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Yokan (Bean Jelly), Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ryogoku (Mile 12.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Koto Side (Sumida River) (Mile 13.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Chocolate, Cream-filled roll
  • Toilet: Yes

• Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) (~Mile 11.4) (Spectator Zone): The massive red lantern gate of Senso-ji Temple, a major cultural landmark.
• Ryogoku Kokugikan (~Mile 12.7): The indoor sporting arena known as the home of Sumo wrestling.

Heading east into the Koto ward, this section challenges both mind and body. It features the course's most significant "hills" in the form of bridge crossings, including the climb near Mile 17.2. While the 3% grade might seem minor on paper, at this stage of the race these bridges disrupt the flat rhythm you've settled into.

The route follows an out-and-back to the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. Seeing runners heading in the opposite direction can work both ways mentally; it might feel deflating if you're struggling, but energizing if you're hunting down competitors.

The infamous "30km Wall" (Mile 18.6) strikes right in the middle of this segment, adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding stretch.

• Bridge Climbs: The climb at Mile 17.2 gains nearly 17 feet in a tenth of a mile. Shorten your stride and keep effort constant; do not attack the hill, or you will pay for it on the flat return.
• Mental Fatigue: The long straightaways with visible return traffic can make the distance feel longer. Focus on reaching the next aid station rather than the finish line.
• Fueling Strategy: This is the critical zone for intake. Aid stations here offer 'Umeboshi' (pickled plums)—a potent source of sodium to combat cramping.

• Climb #1: Mile 17.22 to Mile 17.32, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.11%, total gain 16.83 ft

• None.

• Monzen-Nakacho (Mile 15.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kiyosu-bashi (Mile 16.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Umeboshi (Pickled Plums), Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Monzen-Nakacho Return (Mile 18.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kayabacho (Mile 19.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Yokan
  • Toilet: Yes

• Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine (~Mile 15) (Spectator Zone): The spiritual turnaround point of the eastern leg.

The final 10k is a victory lap through the heart of modern Tokyo. You return to the upscale district of Ginza, running down wide avenues lined with luxury flagship stores. The course passes Shiba Park and offers views of Tokyo Tower before heading toward the Imperial Palace.

While the elevation remains flat, the surface changes in the final mile. The Marunouchi Naka-dori street features cobblestone paving that can feel jarring on exhausted legs—this harder, uneven surface requires extra focus when fatigue has set in.

The final left turn toward the station comes up sharply, so visualize your racing line early to maintain momentum through to the finish.

• Surface Change: The stone paving (Ishidatami) in the final mile (Mile 25.6-26.1) increases impact shock. Keep your cadence high and light to minimize pounding.
• Heat Accumulation: By this point (likely past noon), asphalt temperatures will be peaking. If you feel chills or dizziness, slow down and utilize the medical stations immediately.
• The Final Turn: The turn at Mile 26.1 onto Gyoko-dori is the final technical element. Don't start your sprint until you have cleared this corner.

• None.

• None.

• Ginza / Yurakucho (Mile 21.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Shiba Park / Tokyo Tower (Mile 23.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Umeboshi, Chocolate, Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hibiya Park (Mile 24.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Ginza 4-Chome Crossing (~Mile 20.8) (Spectator Zone): Famous intersection featuring the Seiko Clock Tower.
• Tokyo Tower (~Mile 23.6) (Spectator Zone): Views of the iconic red and white communications tower.
• Imperial Palace (~Mile 26) (Spectator Zone): The historic grounds serving as the backdrop for the finish line.