Tokyo Marathon General Lottery is Open – What Are Your Odds?

The Tokyo Marathon general lottery opened on August 14, giving hopeful participants all around the world a two-week window to get their applications turned in in hopes of being plucked from the crowd for a chance to run the 20th Annual Tokyo Marathon.

General lottery registration for the March 7, 2027 race closes on August 28, and the drawing will take place on September 18. Winners will have until September 30 to pay their entry fee or be forced to give up their spot.

The registration fee for residents is $125, with the fee for foreign entrants coming out to $230.

While only 10% of applicants will be picked every year on average, persistence might be the key to increasing one’s odds at winning entry to the race. As odds have gotten slimmer and slimmer as interest in running World Marathon Majors has exploded, there is something of a solution for those who miss out year-after-year.

And don’t forget that the race entry is a small part of what it costs to run a world marathon major!

What is the One Tokyo Global Group?

Once a prospective runner has entered and missed out on selection three consecutive years, and provided they’re a member of the official running club of the Tokyo Marathon, they’re put into a pool and given a shot at one of 4,000 race bibs set aside for members of the ONE TOKYO Global group.

This group registration period takes place earlier, beginning July 31 and ending August 13. And with a reported 8,100 global members, your odds of winning a chance to run one of the eight World Major Marathons skyrocket.

Of the 30,000 lottery bibs released every year, 4,000 of them are set aside for members of the ONE TOKYO Global Group who have missed out three years in a row. This means if you fit the criteria and you’re a ONE TOKYO Global Member, your chances essentially go up to a 50-50 shot.

How to Get in to the Tokyo Marathon

All right if the lottery systems above have failed you then there are a few other options. Unfortunately, Tokyo just isn’t as big as NYC and isn’t doing two days like London, so the spots are limited and definitely preferential to those in country.

Run for Charity

A charity entry is one of the more reliable ways to get into the Tokyo Marathon, but it also comes with a much bigger financial commitment.

Tokyo works with designated charity organizations, and runners who participate through the charity program make a required donation to their selected organization in addition to paying the race entry fee. Depending on the organization and how you choose to fundraise, the total commitment can easily run $2000-$5000 USD.

One thing to know is that charity applications typically happen before the general lottery results come out. In other words, this is not necessarily a backup option you can grab once you find out you did not get selected. If charity is something you are considering, pay close attention to the application dates and plan ahead.

Book Through an Official International Tour Operator

For international runners, an official Tokyo Marathon tour package may be the simplest route to a guaranteed entry.

Authorized International Tour Operators (like Marathon Tours & Travel) offer packages that include a Tokyo Marathon entry along with travel services such as hotel accommodations. Most packages may include additional sightseeing, race weekend support, or other extras.

You will pay considerably more than you would for a standard race entry, but there’s a definite appeal to knowing your bib and accommodations are handled, especially when you are planning an international race trip.

Make sure you book through an official Tokyo Marathon International Tour Operator. Tokyo specifically states that only its authorized travel partners can sell packages that include race entry.

These packages can also be first come, first served, so this is another option where it pays to start looking early.

Qualify Through RUN as ONE

If you’re a speedy runner, Tokyo also has its RUN as ONE semi elite entry.

For the 2027 race, the marathon qualifying standards are:

Men: 2:28:00 or faster
Women: 3:06:00 or faster

There are also qualifying standards for the half marathon.

Keep in mind that running the qualifying time makes you eligible to apply. It does not necessarily mean you are automatically in. Tokyo has a limited number of semi elite spots and can select the fastest applicants when more runners qualify than there are available entries.

The qualifying standards, eligible race dates, application process, and field size can change from year to year, so always check the current Tokyo Marathon RUN as ONE requirements before making this part of your race plan.

Tokyo Marathon 2027 Medal

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation also released a final design draft of the finisher’s medal, which will be a special edition to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo Marathon.

With a wider than usual design, it will be 100 millimeters in diameter. The front design features the number 20, with the 0 incorporating the Tokyo Marathon logo. The reverse will feature Tokyo landmarks seen along the marathon course.

Did you put in for a shot to run this iconic course next year? Sound off in the comments and let us know!

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