FEATURE

Translated By DeepL

Explained from Huinamu's point of view! Five reasons why the Tokyo Marathon is so special.
TOKYO MARATHON 2026

Explained from Huinamu's point of view! Five reasons why the Tokyo Marathon is so special.

When it comes to the hardest race to enter in Japan, it’s got to be the Tokyo Marathon. As one of only seven races in the world to be part of the “Abbott World Marathon Majors,” it’s one of the country’s largest races, with an application lottery said to have an extremely high competition rate. It’s easy to imagine the unique thrill of running right through the heart of Tokyo, but why does it attract so many runners? To find out, Fuinam Deputy Editor-in-Chief Hiroshi Yamamoto actually participated in the race. From the EXPO to the course on race day and the atmosphere along the route, he examines the event from a participant’s perspective and unravels the five reasons why the Tokyo Marathon is so special.

  • Photo_©TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION, Taru
  • Text_Issey Enomoto
  • Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

1. A massive expo where you can experience the scene firsthand.

The "Tokyo Marathon EXPO," a traditional pre-race event, is no longer just a registration venue for runners; it has become one of Japan’s largest running trade shows. As a place where visitors can experience the latest in running culture, it attracts large crowds every year. Admission is free and open to the general public as well. This year, approximately 80 companies exhibited at the Tokyo Big Sight venue.

In the Official Partner Area, major brands—including ASICS—set up large booths. Limited-edition shoes and commemorative event merchandise were popular even among international runners, and the atmosphere was electric, much like a festival merchandise area.

In addition, the general exhibitor area will feature a lineup of popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, ON, Hoka, Salomon, and The North Face.

It’s a space that’s fun just to browse, whether you’re trying on shoes or experiencing the various services. Many people visit specifically to shop, making the EXPO itself a major event in its own right.

INFORMATION

Tokyo Marathon Foundation

https://tokyo42195.org

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