Want to qualify for the Tokyo Marathon? Meeting the Tokyo Marathon qualifying times is essential. These times vary by age and gender.

In this article, we’ll explain the qualifying times and every other way you can secure your spot on the starting line.

Quick Details About the Tokyo Marathon

• Event Month: March (First World Marathon Major of the year)
• Inaugural Year: 2007
• Total Annual Runners: 37,500
• Entry Fee: Approximately USD $160 (2025)
• Minimum Racing Age: 19 years old on race day
• Course Records:
  • Male – 2:02:16 (2024)
  • Female – 2:15:55 (2024)
  • Wheelchair Male – 1:20:57 (2023)
  • Wheelchair Female – 1:36:43 (2023)

Every Tokyo Marathon Entry Option

The Tokyo Marathon qualifying times and age group requirements differ slightly from other World Marathon Majors. There isn’t a time qualification entry method like the Boston Marathon (at least for non-elite runners).

The Tokyo Marathon gives many options to members of ONE TOKYO GLOBAL, which is a paid-membership club for runners not residing in Japan. If you are not a resident of Japan, be aware of what options below require this membership.

Let’s go over every option to qualify for the Tokyo Marathon.

1 – Be a Japanese Professional Marathon Runner

This is the TOKYO MARATHON, and there is a certain level of preference given to Japanese runners. If you are a professional runner and Japanese, you’re in. Like, literally, you get in. It’s that easy.

You must be registered with the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF).

Applications for this qualification method begin in December.

2 – Be a Specially Invited Elite Runner

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and/or the race organizers often invite elite runners who do not meet the qualification standards.

Perhaps you were injured last year or have never run a full marathon, so you don’t have a recent race result. If you’re a professional runner that merits entry consideration, reach out to the race organizers.

Applications for this qualification method begin in December.

3 – The RUN as ONE – Semi-Elite Overseas Entry

The RUN as ONE program offers international elite runners a unique pathway to qualify for the Tokyo Marathon.

There are a maximum of 25 men and 25 women allowed entry through this process. The selection process prioritizes the fastest times submitted.

Qualifying Standards

Qualifying for the Tokyo Marathon through the RUN as ONE requires meeting specific time standards below:

• Men must achieve a time of 2:28:00 or better in a qualifying marathon.
• Women must achieve a time of 3:09:00 or better in a qualifying marathon.
• Qualifying times are based on gun (gross) time.

Applicants must submit an official finisher’s certificate from a recognized qualifying race to validate their time.

More details about the RUN as ONE Semi-Elite (Overseas) entry method.

4 – ONE TOKYO General Lottery

The official club of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation is called ONE TOKYO. If you are a resident of Japan, you can join this club. Non-residents can join ONE TOKYO GLOBAL, which is detailed next.

ONE TOKYO members get put in their own advanced lottery, along with a chance at the General Lottery if they don’t get picked initially.

There is a membership fee to join.

Full details can be found here (if you reside within Japan; otherwise, it defaults to ONE TOKYO GLOBAL).

5 – ONE TOKYO GLOBAL General Lottery

If you are not living in Japan, you can join the club ONE TOKYO GLOBAL, which has its own lottery and other chances to participate in the Tokyo Marathon.

Membership fees to join are approximately 30,000 JPY (USD $200). The membership period runs from April 1st through March 31st.

ONE TOKYO GLOBAL members get put in their own advanced lottery, along with a chance at the General Lottery if they don’t get picked initially.

The selected field size from this method is approximately 3,000 runners (8% of all runners).

6 – Enter the Tokyo Marathon General Lottery

Most people will enter the general lottery (over 300,000), so the chance of success is rather low.

The entry period for this method typically begins mid-August and remains open for approximately two weeks. Winning runners are notified in September.

Full entry information is here.

7 – Tokyo Marathon Foundation Virtual Run Series

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation holds a virtual run series that includes 10 virtual runs each year. Every event includes a special lottery for Tokyo Marathon entries.

Bonus – If you are a member of ONE TOKYO GLOBAL, you get into each virtual race for free! If you are a member and complete all ten races, you could also win one of 50 additional Tokyo Marathon entry tickets. Whoa.

Race distances vary, but many are at least a half marathon. Some events allow you to pair up with a friend to get it done. Just download their app for tracking purposes and run the distance during the race window.

Between 40 and 100 marathon entry tickets are given away via lottery at each event to finishers.

Check out the details at the TMF Virtual Run site.

8 – Not Picked in Lottery For Three Years in a Row

If you are a member of ONE TOKYO or ONE TOKYO GLOBAL and have entered but did not get selected for the Tokyo Marathon in the last three years, a lottery will be held specifically for those members.

NOTE – This entry method for ONE TOKYO GLOBAL begins in 2028. So you will need to be a member and missed selection in 2025, 2026, and 2027 to qualify for the 2028 lottery.

A total of 3,800 runners make up this field size (10% of all runners).

9 – Run For a Charity

Charity runners play a significant role in the Tokyo Marathon, raising funds for various causes while securing their entry. To apply for a charity spot, participants commit to raising a specific amount of money for a chosen charitable organization. This guarantees entry and contributes to meaningful causes, making the race even more impactful.

Charity runners make up a significant portion of participants in the Tokyo Marathon. Certain charities actually fill up, so pick one quickly and sign up if you want to run.

The application period to run for a charity is before the general entry lottery. This period typically begins in late June through the first week of July.

The selected field size from this method is approximately 5,000 runners (13% of all runners).

Full details are here.

10 – Be a Pacer for the Tokyo Marathon

You know those people that carry those little race signs that tell which group time they’re pacing? Well, that could be you.

You still need to pay the entry fee, but your participation counts for the World Marathon medal. Also, pacers tend to get free swag from the race organizers for their service.

There are about 45 pacers total used for the marathon, and you have to be a member of ONE TOKYO or ONE TOKYO GLOBAL to apply for this entry method.

Contact the ONE TOKYO GLOBAL help desk for more information.

11 – Complete All Other World Marathon Major Marathons

If you have completed all the other World Marathon Major marathons and only need Tokyo, there is a special lottery held by the World Marathon Majors (WMM).

You’ll need to be registered with the WMM, and an email will be sent out to qualified runners in November about how to enter the lottery.

There are approximately 100 entries awarded via this method.

More information is here.

12 – Enter Through a Tour Operator

For international runners, tour operators offer a convenient way to enter the Tokyo Marathon. These packages can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and typically include entry fees, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, and guided assistance during the marathon.

Using a tour operator simplifies logistics and provides a supportive environment, ensuring a stress-free race day experience.

The entry period for this qualification method varies depending on the number of entries remaining with each Tour Operator.

13 – Road to the Majors – Half Marathon Journey

Have you already completed 3, 4, or 5 of the World Marathon Majors?

The Global Run club has special virtual half marathon races you can complete to earn an entry into a special lottery to get into the Tokyo Marathon.

There are six virtual races, and they cost $45 each. They are in March, April, May, August, September, and October.

Get more information at https://app.abbottwmmglobalrunclub.com/en/challenges.

14 – Be a Guide / Support Runner to a Physically Challenged Athlete

Each physically challenged runner can only have a single support runner, but you can request a second if necessary (it’ll be up to the Tokyo Marathon organizers though).

When the physically challenged athlete registers, there will be an area where they can register their guide runner as well.

Contact the Tokyo Marathon race organizers for more information.

15 – Bid Using Your Marriott Bonvoy Points

New for 2025 is the ability to bid on a coveted entry spot to all World Major Marathons (including Tokyo) using your Marriott Bonvoy points. Bidding is open for about 30 days and they seem to be going in calendar order of races.

The package seems to include race entry, a stay in a Marriott hotel for two days, plus a VIP-level package for your guest.

See for yourself at https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/category/sports

UPDATE: This winning bid was from someone who travels A LOT. Also, you can purchase points for $12.50 for every 1,000. So this winning bid would have cost $16,125.

Conclusion

Whether you qualify by time, fundraise for charity, or participate in one of the various entry programs, the experience of running through the streets of Tokyo alongside thousands of fellow runners is sure to be unforgettable.

If it interests you, we also have all of the ways to qualify for the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Berlin Marathon, London Marathon, and the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

If there are any qualification methods that we overlooked, please let us know through the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no cost to you.