One of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon stands as a celebration of the city's "past, present, and future." Starting at the imposing Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, the route offers a prestigious tour through the heart of the metropolis. The course is famously flat and fast, having shed the reputation of its hillier predecessor to provide a high-speed journey through the urban canyons of Shinjuku, past the historic Thunder Gate in Asakusa, and through the luxury district of Ginza, before finishing in the shadow of the Imperial Palace near Tokyo Station.

Weather data for early March reveals a "tale of two temperatures." Runners should prepare for a cold start, with historical data showing morning temperatures around 6–7°C. However, as the race progresses into the afternoon, temperatures can rise significantly, potentially reaching 16–19°C.

While the morning air is typically calm, wind speeds often pick up in the afternoon (averaging 10–15 km/h), which may create resistance on the broad avenues during the return legs. The 9:10 AM start ensures the race unfolds entirely in full daylight.

Topographically, this is a rhythm course designed for speed. Roughly 87% of the route is categorized as flat, with a helpful net descent occurring in the first 5 kilometers that encourages a fast start. The primary interruptions to this flat profile are man-made: a series of bridge crossings near the halfway mark and a short, sharp ramp near kilometer 28. These introduce rhythmic variations rather than sustained climbing.

The massive field size (approximately 38,000 runners) requires patience in the congested early kilometers, but the wide boulevards allow athletes to settle into a consistent cadence fairly quickly.

• Event Date: March 1, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.2 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.86
• Total Ascent: 211.78 m
• Total Descent: 242.33 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 16.9, 0.81 km at an average grade of 0.39%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 5.25, 0.99 km at an average grade of -0.67%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 27.71, 0.33 km at an average grade of 2.05%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 42.13, 0.06 km 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 amidst a shower of heart-shaped confetti in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The atmosphere is electric, but the topography demands discipline.

This section features a distinct net descent, dropping approximately 30 meters over the first 5 kilometers. You'll be running on wide avenues through Kabukicho and Shinjuku, where the combination of race-day adrenaline, enthusiastic crowds, and favorable gradient can easily tempt you into running 10–15 seconds per kilometer faster than planned.

• The Gravity Trap: The net descent is significant enough to feel 'easy' but deceptive. Monitor your pace closely; banking time here shreds quadriceps needed for the final 10k.
• Crowd Navigation: With nearly 39,000 runners, the start is dense. Resist the urge to weave; stay calm and flow with the pack until the field naturally elongates.

• None.

• Descent #1: Km 2.95 to Km 3.28, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.04%, total drop 9.99 m

• Iidabashi area (Outer Moat / Kanda River) (Km 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: Yes

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (~Km 0) (Spectator Zone): The iconic twin-towered headquarters of the Tokyo government and the start line.
• Kabukicho (~Km 1.8): Tokyo's famous entertainment and red-light district.

Exiting the initial descent, the course settles into the extremely flat rhythm that defines the Tokyo Marathon. You'll head east towards the city center, passing through the electronics district of Akihabara and approaching the historic Nihombashi bridge.

The terrain here is virtually level, offering a perfect opportunity to lock into your goal marathon pace. The streets are lined with tall office buildings, which can create a wind tunnel effect if the forecast afternoon breeze picks up early. Be prepared to adjust your effort accordingly, as headwinds through these corridors can feel stronger than the actual wind speed suggests.

This section showcases Tokyo's blend of modern commerce and traditional landmarks, with enthusiastic crowds typically gathering at major intersections. The flat profile continues for several kilometers, making it crucial to resist the temptation to bank time early in the race.

• Rhythm Maintenance: This is the flattest, most consistent section of the early race. Avoid surging; focus on efficiency and hitting your splits with minimal energy expenditure.
• Surface Awareness: The roads are wide and generally excellent, but be mindful of subtle camber changes and embedded reflectors (cat's eyes) when changing lanes.

• None.

• None.

• Between Iidabashi and Suidobashi (Km 6.9)
  • Offerings: Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kanda / Ochanomizu–Ueno approach (Km 10)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Nihombashi business district (Km 12.1)
  • Offerings: Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Asakusa Kaminarimon approach (Km 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Akihabara Electric Town (~Km 9.6) (Spectator Zone): The world-famous hub for electronics, anime, and manga culture.
• Nihombashi Bridge (~Km 13.3): The historic 'Zero Milestone' from which all distances in Japan are measured.

This segment offers some of the most vibrant visuals and spectator support along the entire course. As you approach kilometer 18, you'll run toward the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) in Asakusa, with the towering Tokyo Skytree serving as a dramatic backdrop in the distance.

After making a sharp turn at the gate, the course heads south and introduces a series of bridge crossings over the Sumida River and surrounding canals. While these aren't mountainous climbs by any means, the short inclines and declines do interrupt the flat rhythm you've established earlier in the race. You'll need to make slight adjustments to your effort and pacing to maintain momentum through these gentle elevation changes.

The energy from local supporters in this historic district often provides a welcome boost just when runners need it most.

• Sensory Overload: The crowds at Asakusa are incredibly loud and energetic. Enjoy the boost, but check your heart rate to ensure excitement doesn't push you into an anaerobic zone.
• Bridge Undulations: The crossings (Kuramae and others) act as small rollers. Shorten your stride on the way up and let gravity carry you down; do not attack the uphills.

• None.

• None.

• Along Sumida River past Asakusa (Km 17.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Yokan (sweet bean jelly), Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ryogoku / Sumida River area (Km 20)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Koto side of Sumida River (Km 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Chocolate, Cream-filled roll
  • Toilet: Yes
• Monzen-Nakacho / Tomioka Hachimangu (Km 24.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) (~Km 18.2) (Spectator Zone): The massive red lantern gate to Senso-ji Temple; a major spectator hub.
• Ryogoku (Sumo District) (~Km 20.6): The heart of Sumo wrestling in Tokyo.

After the turnaround at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, runners head back west through familiar territory. This return journey presents its own unique challenges, both physical and mental.

Around kilometer 27.7, you'll encounter the course's most notable climb—a short but sharp ramp with roughly a 3% grade. While brief, this incline has a reputation for catching runners off guard, particularly as fatigue sets in during the later stages of the race.

Once you crest this hill, the route mercifully flattens out again as you make your way back toward the city center and Ginza. This 10-kilometer stretch can be mentally demanding due to the out-and-back nature of the course. You'll pass faster runners still heading toward the turnaround point, which can be both inspiring and humbling as you gauge your position in the field.

The return to familiar landmarks offers some psychological comfort, though the knowledge that you're retracing your steps requires mental fortitude to maintain focus and pace through this crucial section of the race.

• The Bridge Climb (km 27.7): This is the steepest uphill on the course. It is short, but at this stage of the race, it requires focus. Increase your cadence and keep your effort steady; do not sprint.
• The Mental Wall: The excitement of Asakusa is behind you, and the finish is not yet close. Focus on fueling here—grab the Umeboshi (pickled plums) for salt if available—and break the distance into small chunks.

• Climb #1: Km 27.71 to Km 27.88, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.11%, total gain 5.13 m

• None.

• Near Ryogoku / Kiyosu-bashi (Km 27)
  • Offerings: Water, Umeboshi (pickled plums), Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Monzen-Nakacho area (Km 29.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kayabacho / Nihombashi approach (Km 32)
  • Offerings: Water, Yokan (sweet bean jelly)
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ginza 4-chome / Yurakucho area (Km 34.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Ginza 4-Chome Crossing (~Km 33.5) (Spectator Zone): The high-fashion center of Tokyo, featuring the iconic Wako clock tower.

The final stretch runs south past Hibiya Park, offering views of Tokyo Tower, before a U-turn brings you onto the final road to Marunouchi. The terrain remains flat throughout this section.

As you near the finish area, the road surface transitions from asphalt to stone paving along Naka-dori. While this surface provides stable footing, it feels noticeably harder underfoot than asphalt—a change that can be particularly challenging for tired legs in the race's closing stages.

The approach to Tokyo Station is grand and lined with cheering crowds, culminating in a final left turn onto Gyoko-dori for the finish.

• Surface Change: The stone paving in the Marunouchi district (final 1-2km) increases impact shock. Anticipate this change in sensation and focus on a quick turnover to minimize ground contact time.
• Technical Turns: The final kilometers involve several 90-degree turns and a 180-degree turnaround. These break your momentum; corner smoothly rather than braking hard to save your quads.

• None.

• Descent #2: Km 42.13 to Km 42.19, 0.06 km, avg grade -7.91%, total drop 4.75 m

• Shiba Park / Tokyo Tower view segment (Km 38)
  • Offerings: Water, Umeboshi (pickled plums), Chocolate, Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hibiya Park approach to Marunouchi (Km 40.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Pocari Sweat
  • Toilet: Yes

• Tokyo Tower (~Km 38): Views of the iconic red and white tower near the Shiba Park turnaround.
• Tokyo Station / Imperial Palace (~Km 42.2) (Spectator Zone): The majestic red brick station and palace grounds forming the backdrop of the finish line.