Tokyo Marathon: How to Secure Your Spot

Many runners dream of running the Tokyo Marathon, however due to its popularity the Tokyo Marathon ballot is highly competitive, with limited charity spots and strict qualifying standards. Many runners spend years chasing their chance to take part.

There are several ways to secure your spot for this highly sought-after race. Most runners will apply for the Tokyo Marathon by entering the ballot, but there is also the Tokyo Marathon charity program and international tour operators.

In this post we will explore all the options available for runners to secure their spot at the next Tokyo Marathon and how to make the most of your Tokyo marathon weekend.

Tokyo Marathon Ballot

The Tokyo Marathon ballot is the most common way to enter the Tokyo Marathon. The ballot typically opens in late summer and remains open for several weeks.

Tokyo Marathon ballot results are usually announced around late September, and selected runners must confirm their entry quickly by paying within a short deadline.

Alternatively, runners can enter through ONE Tokyo Global Member Entry

One Tokyo Member Entry

ONE Tokyo Global is the official membership program for the event. Members receive priority access to the lottery, early registration windows, and other exclusive benefits designed to increase their chances of securing a place in the race.

Membership is available to runners worldwide and can be a valuable option for those looking to maximise their entry opportunities.

Tokyo Marathon Charity Entry

Apply for the Tokyo marathon through a charity is not only an effective way to secure your spot at the marathon, but a great way to give back to your community or help raise money for a charity in need.

The Tokyo Marathon has an official charity program called “RUN with HEART” that partners with several non-profit organisations. The list of partnered charities varies each year, but here are some of the charities that have been affiliated with the Tokyo Marathon:

• CARE International Japan
• The Parkinson’s Foundation
• Save the Children UK
• Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Achilles International
• Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan
• Peace Winds Japan
• Japan Cancer Society:
• Japan for UNHCR
• Special Olympics Nippon Foundation
• Japan Environmental Education Forum
• Teach for Japan
• Tokyo Toy Museum
• NPO Florence

For the up-to-date list of charities, visit the Tokyo Marathon charity entry page.

Applications typically open in mid-June and close by late July, with notifications sent out by mid-July. Once accepted, runners confirm their entry by completing the required donation or fundraising commitment.

Charity runners enjoy more than just early entry. They often receive exclusive support, access to group meetups, and the satisfaction of running for a meaningful cause.

Tokyo Marathon Tour Operator

Another option to secure your place at the Tokyo Marathon is to enter through an international tour operator. Not only will you get entry into the marathon, but you will also receive added benefits as part of your package.

Here at Sports Tours International, we are the international tour operator for the Tokyo Marathon. Taking hundreds of runners to the vent each year.

By booking with Sports Tours International, you’re not just reserving a hotel, you’re gaining the peace of mind that comes from traveling with experts who’ve supported runners at every Abbott World Marathon Major.

Package Highlights

• Stress-free planning for international runners.
• Guaranteed marathon entry.
• Central accommodation with easy access to start and finish lines.
• Pre-race briefing to calm the pre marathon nerves.
• On-site support from our Sports Tours staff.
• Free breakfast to help fuel for your marathon.
• 5km group shakeout run to explore the city.
• Opportunity to meet other like minded runners at our meet-and-greet drinks or post marathon after-party.

Tokyo Marathon Qualifying Times

Like the Boston Marathon qualifying times, the Tokyo Marathon also has some conditions for runners who wish to apply for this marathon.

To take part in the Tokyo Marathon, runners will have to be capable of running a finishing time. This is split in categories and depending on which category you fit into, you will need to be able to complete a marathon in the time set.

The marathon will commence around 09:00am and finish around 4:00pm, giving runners 7 hours to complete the race. The purpose of this cut off time is for traffic, security and competition management. The event organisers may ask you to leave the course at anytime if you are behind time.

Male, Female and Non-Binary

Runners must be capable of finishing the marathon within 6 hours and 30 minutes, which includes runners from “RUN as ONE” and ONE Tokyo members.

Wheelchair Male, Female and Non-Binary

Wheelchair athletes will be required to finish the marathon within the time of 2 hours and10 minutes using a race wheelchair.

For more update information regarding Tokyo Marathon eligibility, visit their website.

Where To Stay for The Tokyo Marathon

With thousands of runners and spectators flooding Tokyo, hotels fill up fast.

That’s where Sports Tours International comes in. We’ve been helping runners travel to world-class marathons for over 50 years, and our mission has always been the same: take the stress out of race-week planning so you can focus on your run.

For many runners, Tokyo may be their first time traveling internationally for a marathon, and we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate flights, hotels, language barriers, and logistics on your own.

Our accommodation packages remove the guesswork. We carefully select hotels that are centrally located, offer easy access to the start and finish, and provide runner-friendly amenities like early breakfasts and supportive staff who understand marathoners’ needs.

Some of the best hotels for the weekend include:

• New Otani Hotel Tokyo – Centrally located with easy access to the start line and convenient transport connections.
• Hotel Groove Shinjuku – Modern accommodations in a bustling neighborhood, perfect for exploring the city while staying close to race activities.
• New Otani Executive House Zen – Luxury rooms with a focus on comfort and recovery, ideal for unwinding after the race.

Make Your Tokyo Marathon Weekend Unforgettable

For the Tokyo Marathon weekend, the city has way more to offer than just the marathon race. Tokyo is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest cities.

The city offers a fusion of old and new, with ancient temples and historic shrines that coexist with futurist skyscrapers and neon-lit districts.

The city is also known for its exceptional food scene. From casual street food, cozy family run restaurants top the world’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred establishments. Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers.

Here at Sports Tours International, we also offer an extension package for runners who are just not quite ready to finish their trip. Our Tokyo Marathon Extension Package gives runners a chance to explore the cities of Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto. Allow them to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Japan before heading home.

Securing your spot in the Tokyo Marathon is a monumental step toward achieving a dream. Whether you choose the competitive ballot, the rewarding charity program, or a stress-free travel package, each path leads to an unforgettable race day. No matter which route you take, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to make your Tokyo Marathon dream a reality?