The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) 20th anniversary season kicks off this Sunday, March 1st, in Tokyo. With a forecast promising PR-shattering conditions and a field of elites chasing unprecedented milestones, the 2026 Tokyo Marathon is set to be one for the history books.
1. The Expo & Bib Pickup
If you haven’t picked up your packet yet, head to Tokyo Big Sight (South Halls). Remember: proxy pickup is not allowed—you must go in person with your photo ID and digital bib confirmation.
- Thursday, Feb 26 & Friday, Feb 27: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb 28: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Pro Tip: You will be issued a security wristband at the Expo. Do not take it off. You must be wearing it to enter the start area on Sunday morning.
2. Strict Hydration Rules (The “No Plastic” Policy)
Tokyo has some of the strictest security in the Major circuit. Plastic bottles, cans, and hydration packs are prohibited at the start and on the course.
- What you CAN bring: Paper packs (cartons) or aluminum foil pouches (like applesauce pouches) under 250ml.
- Total Limit: You are allowed a total of 500ml across multiple small containers.
- The Soft Cup Hack: Organizers are providing a “soft cup” in your runner bag. Carry this in a pocket; it’s a lifesaver if the aid stations get crowded.
3. Race Day Logistics
- The Start: The race begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Corrals close at 8:45 a.m., so aim to be through security by 8:00 a.m. to avoid the bottleneck.
- Baggage: Only official baggage bags provided at the Expo will be accepted. If you didn’t pre-pay for baggage check, you won’t be able to drop a bag on race morning.
- The Finish: The race ends at Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Avenue. It is a point-to-point course, so plan your meet-up with family near the Marunouchi Building.
4. Weather: PR Territory
The current forecast for Sunday, March 1, is a runner’s dream:
- Start (9:10 a.m.): 50°F (10°C), Overcast.
- Finish (Midday): 58°F (14°C), Light winds (5mph).
- Gear Advice: It will be chilly while you wait in the corrals. Bring an old sweater or a “throwaway” layer. There are designated donation bins at the start line to discard these before the gun goes off.
5. Elite Watch: History in the Making
While you’re out there, history is happening at the front:
- The Women’s Three-Peat: Sutume Kebede is looking for her third straight win.
- The Seven-Star Sweep: In the wheelchair race, Marcel Hug is attempting to hold all seven Major titles (now including Sydney) at once.
- New Pacing Tech: Watch for the three-bike pacing system leading the elite packs—a 2026 debut designed to keep the lead runners on world-record splits.
Quick Links for Runners:
The Kebede “Three-Peat” Quest
All eyes are on Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede. After shattering the course record in 2024 and defending her title in 2025, she returns this weekend with a chance to do what no runner has ever done: win three consecutive Tokyo Marathon titles.
She won’t have a lonely path to the finish. The women’s field is one of the deepest in race history, featuring:
- Hawi Feysa (ETH): The 2025 Chicago champion.
- Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN): The 2025 Berlin winner.
- Brigid Kosgei (KEN): The former world record holder looking to end a title drought on the very course where she last won in 2022.
Men’s Battle: The Pacing “Bike” Experiment
In the men’s race, defending champion Tadese Takele faces a fierce challenge from London winner Alexander Mutiso, who has publicly targeted the 2:02:16 course record.
But the real “tech” story this year is how they’ll get there. For 2026, Tokyo organizers are debuting a three-bike parallel pacing system. Instead of relying solely on human “rabbits,” these specialized lead bikes will provide real-time pacing data and aerodynamic shielding for the elite men, the Japanese national pack, and the lead women.
Marcel Hug and the “Seven Star” Milestone
In the wheelchair division, the “Silver Bullet” Marcel Hug is on the verge of sporting immortality. With Sydney officially becoming the seventh Major, a win in Tokyo would make Hug the first person to hold all seven Major titles simultaneously. He enters the race having won every Major since Boston 2025.
The “Six Star” Wave
It’s not just about the elites. A staggering 2,159 runners are scheduled to cross the finish line near the Imperial Palace this Sunday to earn their Six Star Medal. This year’s class is particularly special, as it includes the first-ever Six Star finishers from Azerbaijan, Grenada, Malawi, and San Marino.
MJ Pro-Tip: Remember the “No Plastic Bottle” rule. Tokyo security is strictly enforcing a ban on personal plastic bottles in the start corrals. Use the provided paper cups or approved collapsible flasks to avoid a disqualification before you even start!
