Welcome! Here we share all kinds of Tokyo Marathon Info to help you have your best race on race day, and to help you prepare for the big challenge ahead. We also provide events to provide you with some firsthand knowledge as well some TRR camaraderie! Let’s go!
Table of contents
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Tokyo Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Date: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 7pm EST
Be sure to sign up for the call below so we can email you the call link before the call. If you want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link here.
2. Shakeout Run
Date: Saturday, Feb. 28
Time: 9 a.m. local time
Location: Meet us at the Sakurada-mon Gate for a 3 mile/5km jog around the Imperial Palace. Segment on Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/13344047
Sign up for the shakeout run below so we know who is attending and we’ll email you any updates about the shakeout run.
3. Tokyo Marathon Race Intel
Date: March 1, 2026
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Start: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
Finish: Gyoko-dori Avenue, near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace
Course type: Mostly out and back
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 198 feet (260m)
Elevation loss: 322 feet (98m)
Course Map and Elevation Map:
https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/about/course/
Course video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVXOnhjjGWo
TemperatureAverage high: 56°F (13°C)
Average low: 42° F (6°C)
Tips from Coaches
- “My biggest tip is to enter yourself with a very reasonable goal time. I ran almost the exact same splits for the first two 5Ks because the crowd just swept me along and I didn’t have a choice! It can really mess with your race if you start in a corral that’s too fast or too slow and get stuck with whatever pace the pack is running for the first 10K. Luckily for me it was slightly faster than I planned but I found I could maintain it and I liked getting pulled along for that far without thinking too hard about it.” Coach Janelle Branch
- “READ the race packet/information sent electronically completely. You may think you can skip this information if you have run many marathons, but the Tokyo marathon has very strict guidelines that are strictly enforced. Please READ the pre race materials completely!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
- “Recommended that you train with Pocari Sweat (you can purchase on Amazon) which is the on course electrolyte support as you will not be able to bring your own fluids.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
- ”I recommend staying near the start line if you are at all anxious about getting to the start line on time. The train system is very reliable but VERY intimidating if you are not familiar with it. If it is going to cause extra stress on race morning, better to stay close by.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
- ”Hotels in Tokyo rarely bend the rules on late checkout. If you plan to fly home after the marathon like I did, you may find yourself looking for a shower-they do offer day passes to local gyms/locker rooms and apparently there are showers at the airport as well, but I cannot speak to these.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
- ”Please respect the no trash on the course policy-there are plenty of volunteers and bins along the route to throw gels and other garbage-do not litter.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
- ”The restrooms on the course are not as easy to access as other major marathon events – they are out of view for privacy, plan accordingly, follow signs!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
4. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Tokyo Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
- From Coach Matt Urbanski
- From RunRunner Kim Anh Nguyen
5. Tokyo Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Tokyo Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
In addition, see the official race website here for even more information.