The Tokyo Marathon 2026 officially took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, marking the 19th edition of one of the most prestigious road races in the world. As the opening event of the World Marathon Majors calendar, Tokyo once again delivered world-class competition, elite athletic performances, and a vibrant city atmosphere.
Because Japan operates 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time, viewers in the United States—especially on the East Coast—watched the race unfold on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026. The time difference created prime-time viewing for American fans eager to witness the first major marathon of the year.
📅 Tokyo Marathon 2026 Event Overview
Here are the key details from the 2026 edition:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Tokyo Marathon 2026 |
| Edition | 19th |
| Date | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Race Status | Platinum Label Marathon |
| Series | First World Marathon Major of 2026 |
Recognized as a Platinum Label marathon, the event met the highest global standards for elite competition, organization, and international participation.
Follow:
🕒 Tokyo Marathon 2026 Start Time (Eastern Time)
Due to the time difference, U.S. audiences tuned in Saturday night. The official start schedule in Eastern Time was:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:05 PM | Wheelchair Marathon Start |
| 7:10 PM | Elite & General Marathon Start |
| 7:10 PM | 10.7 KM Race Start |
The wheelchair race began moments before the main field, continuing Tokyo’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity and high-level para-sport competition. The synchronized start times added excitement and energy to the evening broadcast.
📺 How to Watch Tokyo Marathon 2026
For viewers in the United States, FloTrack provided exclusive live streaming coverage of the event. The broadcast began at 7:00 PM EST on February 28, just minutes before the official start.
| Platform | Coverage |
|---|---|
| FloTrack | Live stream beginning 7:00 PM EST |
| FloTrack | Full replay available after the race |
Fans who missed the live event were able to access on-demand replays shortly after the marathon concluded. Thanks to Tokyo’s global appeal and its status as a World Marathon Major, the race attracted international viewership across multiple regions.
🗺️ Tokyo Marathon 2026 Route Details
The Tokyo Marathon is famous for its flat, fast, and spectator-friendly course, making it one of the most popular races for both elite runners and amateurs chasing personal bests.
🏁 Marathon Course (42.195 KM)
- Start: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Finish: Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Avenue
Key Course Highlights:
- Suidobashi
- Ueno-hirokoji
- Kanda
- Nihombashi
- Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate
- Ryogoku
- Monzen-nakacho
- Ginza
- Tamachi
- Hibiya
The route blends historic landmarks with modern Tokyo architecture, offering runners a scenic tour of the city while maintaining a fast, performance-friendly layout.
🏃 10.7 KM Race Route
The 10.7 KM event followed a shorter yet dynamic course:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Suidobashi
- Kanda
- Nihombashi
This race created a competitive opportunity for participants not running the full marathon distance while still experiencing the atmosphere of a World Marathon Major event.
Final Thoughts
The Tokyo Marathon 2026 schedule and broadcast coverage ensured global accessibility for fans and runners alike. With elite competition, an iconic route, and international streaming options, the event once again reinforced its reputation as one of the premier marathons in the world.
As the first major of the season, Tokyo set the tone for an exciting year in global marathon racing.