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[ Wire ] · Dispatch · Oct 15

Tokyo Marathon Time Limit: Cutoffs, Gun Time, and Rules

The Tokyo Marathon has an official marathon course time limit of 7 hours. Unlike races that calculate course limits purely from when your chip crosses the starting mat, Tokyo measures its official race cutoff strictly from the starting gun.

With the full marathon starting at 9:10 a.m. JST in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the finish line at Tokyo Station and Gyoko-dori Avenue closes at 4:10 p.m. JST. Here is how the gun-time rule works, how intermediate checkpoint cutoffs are enforced, and course rules for participants.

How is the 7-hour time limit measured?

Tokyo Marathon regulations state that the official time is measured from the starting gun, not net chip time.

Because the official time is measured from the starting gun, official entry eligibility rules require general participants to be capable of completing a marathon within 6 hours and 30 minutes.

For general participants, organizers record both gross time (measured from the starting gun) and net time (measured from when the runner crosses the start line) using a timing tag attached to the athlete bib. However, for elite, semi-elite, para athlete, and wheelchair divisions, records and awards are determined by gun time.

How do intermediate checkpoint cutoffs work?

Tokyo enforces designated cut-off points along the course for traffic control, security, and race operations.

Runners must reach each cut-off point before its designated closing time. Participants who fail to reach a cut-off point by the designated time, or who fall significantly behind the race pace at any point on the course, may be required by race officials to discontinue the race.

What happens if you are removed from the course?

Participants who fail to pass a cut-off point by the designated time or fall significantly behind the race pace must discontinue the race as instructed by event officials.

Additionally, official entry regulations state that participants are strongly encouraged to carry a smartphone and a transportation IC card during the race in case the event is suspended or cancelled after the start.

What is the wheelchair division time limit?

Wheelchair racers compete under tighter restrictions. The wheelchair marathon starts at 9:05 a.m. JST and has a time limit of 2 hours and 30 minutes, concluding at 11:35 a.m. JST. Eligible wheelchair entrants must use a racing wheelchair complying with World Para Athletics regulations and be capable of completing the race within 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Review complete course information, qualification standards, and ballot dates on our Tokyo Marathon page.

Sources: Tokyo Marathon Entry Information, Tokyo Marathon Race Information

Sources Tokyo Marathon Foundation