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[ Wire ] · Dispatch · Sep 08

When Is the 2027 Tokyo Marathon? Date, Route, and Timeline

The 2027 Tokyo Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2027. This landmark edition marks the 20th anniversary of Asia's premier World Marathon Major, starting in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishing at Tokyo Station.

As the traditional opener of the annual Abbott World Marathon Majors calendar, Tokyo attracts some of the world's most competitive elite athletes alongside tens of thousands of recreational runners.

What is the Tokyo Marathon 2027 schedule and start time?

On Sunday, March 7, 2027, the race day schedule kicks off early in Shinjuku. The official organizers follow a precise start timeline:

  • 9:05 AM JST: Wheelchair Marathon and Wheelchair 10.7km start.
  • 9:10 AM JST: 10.7km Race starts.
  • 9:10 AM JST: Full Marathon starts.
  • 11:10 AM JST: 10.7km Race finishes.
  • 4:10 PM JST: Full Marathon finishes (seven-hour time limit).

All runners must enter their designated start corrals before they close at 8:55 AM JST. If you miss the corral cutoff, you will not be permitted to start.

Where does the Tokyo Marathon route start and finish?

The Tokyo Marathon course is a fast, net-downhill point-to-point route that runs through the heart of Tokyo. It is famous for its smooth tarmac, enthusiastic spectator support, and historic landmarks.

The race starts in Shinjuku at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Runners then head east through major cultural and commercial hubs including Nihonbashi, Asakusa, Ginza, and Takanawa, before turning toward the grand finish line at Gyoko-dori, right in front of Tokyo Station.

With an elevation drop of approximately thirty meters over the first five kilometers, the course is exceptionally flat and fast after the initial descent. You can read more about typical race conditions in our Tokyo Marathon weather guide.

What are the key Tokyo Marathon 2027 deadlines?

While the entry window has already closed, the remaining timeline for selected runners is critical:

  • General Ballot Window: Opened August 14, 2026, and closed August 28, 2026.
  • Lottery Draw Results: Scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, via the My Entry portal.
  • Payment Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
  • Charity Entries: Closed in July 2026.

If you are lucky enough to secure a bib in the draw, you must complete your payment of USD 230 (overseas runners) or JPY 19,800 (Japan residents) before the September 30 deadline. Stale or unpaid entries are immediately forfeited with no exceptions.

For more details on when to check your status, see When Do Tokyo Marathon 2027 Lottery Results Come Out?.

How many runners are in the 2027 Tokyo Marathon?

The 2027 edition will feature a record field of 40,000 participants, representing a five percent increase over previous editions. This expansion was announced by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation to celebrate the race's 20th anniversary.

With over 300,000 general applicants competing for approximately 30,000 general lottery places, winning a spot is notoriously competitive. If you want to see how these odds stack up, or how multiple lottery attempts affect your selection chances, check out the Abbott World Marathon Majors Ballot Simulator.

If you are planning your trip, staying updated on the event timeline is essential. You can sign up for free email alerts on our Tokyo Marathon page to ensure you never miss an official announcement.

Sources: Tokyo Marathon Foundation, Tokyo 2027 entry guidelines

Sources Tokyo Marathon Foundation