Exploring the Tokyo Marathon: Its Legacy, Course Records, Finishing Averages, and Qualification Criteria

The Tokyo Marathon is a highly anticipated event in the running community, serving as the first race of the year on the prestigious Marathon Majors calendar. Scheduled to take place in March, this race not only attracts elite athletes but also welcomes thousands of amateur runners each year. Below, we delve deeper into the history, course records, average finish times for participants, and essential information for those looking to qualify for this esteemed marathon.

History of the Tokyo Marathon

The inaugural Tokyo Marathon, held in 2007, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for this popular race. Known for its flat and fast course layout, the event quickly gained traction, with over 77,000 participants applying for a chance to run the first race. Ultimately, 26,058 runners crossed the start line that year, setting the stage for what would become a flagship marathon in Asia.

In 2011, the race launched its charity initiative, “Run with Heart,” further enhancing its community impact. Two years later, in 2013, the Tokyo Marathon became part of the Marathon Majors series—the first new addition since its inception in 2006. This inclusion recognized Tokyo’s growing international prominence, making it the first Marathon Major hosted in Asia. The course saw modifications in 2017, culminating in a grand finish at Marunouchi, nestled within the heart of Tokyo’s central business district. Notably, this race also served as the Japanese Olympic trial for the postponed 2020 Olympic Games.

Tokyo Marathon Course Records

Despite its reputation for speed, the Tokyo Marathon has yet to witness the setting of a world record. However, the event has seen impressive course records established over the years. As of 2024, the men’s course record is held by Benson Kipruto, who achieved a remarkable time of 2:02:16. This record surpassed the previous mark set by the legendary Eliud Kipchoge in 2022, who finished in 2:02:40.

For female competitors, Sutume Asefa Kebede claimed the course record in 2024 with an outstanding time of 2:15:55, just edging out Brigid Kosgei’s previous record of 2:16:02, set in 2021. Both Kebede and Kipruto are expected to return for the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, creating excitement as spectators eagerly await to see if they can surpass their impressive times.

Average Tokyo Marathon Finish Times for Amateur Runners

The Tokyo Marathon has experienced an evolution in performance over the years. In its inaugural year, the average finish time ranged from 4 to 5 hours, with the second most common time falling between 5 and 6 hours. The race boasted a high completion rate of 96.3%, with a participant demographic of 77.7% men and 22.3% women. Only 2% of runners managed to finish under the 3-hour mark, with just 16 women achieving this feat.

Fast forward to 2024, the average finish time for runners remains in the 4 to 5-hour category, yet there has been a notable drop in the second most common finish time, now falling into the sub-4-hour category. The completion rate also saw a slight increase, with 96.6% finishing within the cutoff time. The gender ratio has improved, now at 75.3% men and 24.7% women, and the number of sub-3-hour finishers increased to 5.1%, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the race.

How to Qualify for the Tokyo Marathon

For aspiring participants, the primary method to enter the Tokyo Marathon is via a lottery or ballot system. Unlike the Boston Marathon, there are no strict qualifying time requirements for the Tokyo Marathon; instead, it operates under a random selection process. There is no “good for age” or fast qualifying program. For those wishing to secure a guaranteed entry, charity spots or premium packages through tour operators are available. For Comprehensive details and qualification requirements for the Tokyo Marathon and other Marathon Majors, please refer to our in-depth guide.

When is the 2025 Tokyo Marathon?

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, with the race kicking off at 9:10 AM local time (12:10 AM UK time / 7:10 PM ET on March 1st). The event is expected to draw over 37,000 runners, including defending champions Benson Kipruto and Sutume Asefa Kebede. For additional updates and insights about this year’s race, including key contenders among elite runners and information on how to watch the event live, stay tuned for our detailed race preview.