TOKYO – The Tokyo Marathon Foundation has officially unveiled a unique pre-race “shakeout run” event titled “TOKYO MARATHON 2026 RUNS: INTO KK,” scheduled to take place on February 27 and 28, 2026. Held just days before the flagship Tokyo Marathon 2026 on March 1, the event offers runners the rare opportunity to compete on the KK Line (Tokyo Expressway), a stretch of road typically closed to foot traffic.
The “INTO KK” event is designed to serve as a community-building precursor to the main marathon, aiming to heighten anticipation while promoting physical activity across all age groups. The program features a variety of categories, including a 1-mile race and a half-marathon relay, catering to both competitive athletes and families.
Running on a Piece of History
The most significant draw of the event is its venue. The KK Line, which runs through the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza district, has long served as a vital urban artery for vehicle traffic. However, the expressway is currently undergoing a massive transformation. Following its decommissioning as a roadway, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is repurposing the space into a pedestrian-centered “aerial park,” inspired by international projects like New York City’s High Line.
For participants of “INTO KK,” the race provides a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to run on the elevated structure before its final transition into a public green space. The route offers unique views of the Ginza skyline and the Sukiyabashi intersection, providing a distinct perspective of the city that is usually reserved for motorists.
Event Categories and Programming
The two-day festival is divided into specific sessions to maximize participation:
Day 1: Friday, February 27 – Night Half Marathon Relay Taking place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the opening day features the “Night Half Marathon Relay.” Teams consisting of 2 to 21 runners will compete over a total of 21 laps on a 1 km loop. This category is designed for corporate teams, running clubs, and groups of friends looking for a high-energy, social competitive environment under the city lights. The capacity is capped at 300 teams.
Day 2: Saturday, February 28 – 1 Mile Run and Sunset Relay The second day shifts focus toward individual and family participation. The “1 Mile Run” (approximately 1.6 km) will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with dedicated waves for families (parent and child pairs), kids and juniors (elementary to junior high students), and general participants.
The event will conclude with the “Sunset Half Marathon Relay,” which mirrors the Friday night format but allows participants to experience the Tokyo skyline as it transitions from day to evening.
Building the “Shakeout” Tradition
Shakeout runs are a staple of international marathon culture, allowing runners to loosen their muscles and ease pre-race jitters without the intensity of full training. By integrating the KK Line into this tradition, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation is emphasizing its 2026 theme, “The Day We Unite.”
The event is organized in collaboration with PIA Corporation and supported by official partners Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and ASICS Corporation. These partnerships ensure that participants receive professional-grade support, including hydration and performance-focused engagement.
Registration and Entry Details
Registration for the event is currently open on a first-come, first-served basis. The entry period began on December 25, 2025, and is scheduled to close on February 1, 2026, or once capacity is reached.
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For the Half Marathon Relay (both Night and Sunset versions), the entry fee is JPY6,500 per person. For the Saturday 1-mile events, fees are set at JPY3,500 for general participants, JPY3,500 per pair for families, and JPY2,000 for kids and juniors. International participants and ONE TOKYO GLOBAL members are encouraged to register through the official Tokyo Marathon Foundation website to secure their spots in what is expected to be a sold-out event.
