The Tokyo Marathon Foundation is making the lead-up to the Tokyo Marathon 2025 unforgettable with a series of engaging events designed to connect runners worldwide, foster community spirit, and amplify the excitement of race day on March 2, 2025. With activities catering to runners of all ages and skill levels, these events ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and memorable experience for participants and supporters alike.
Virtual Tokyo Marathon 2025: A Global Running Challenge
For runners unable to attend in person or those seeking additional motivation, the Virtual Tokyo Marathon 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to join the marathon buzz from anywhere in the world. Using the ASICS Runkeeper™ app, participants can complete the 42.195 km marathon distance at their convenience during the event period, which runs from February 15 to March 9, 2025.
Participants can choose between two categories:
- Individual Category – Complete the marathon in a single activity.
- Pair Category – Work with a partner to complete the distance cumulatively.
- Entry Fee: ¥3,500 (Individual), ¥7,000 (Pair)
- Eligibility: Runners aged 19 and above on race day.
- Prizes: 100 lucky participants will win a guaranteed, non-complimentary entry into the Tokyo Marathon 2026 via a random draw.
Runners can compete in various rankings, including overall performance, age, gender, and region. The virtual marathon allows participants to set personal goals, track their progress, and even compete for rankings, adding a layer of excitement and purpose to their training.
Friendship Run 2025: Building Connections Through Running
The Friendship Run 2025 celebrates the Tokyo Marathon’s theme, “The Day We Unite,” by fostering connections between domestic and international runners. This 5 km fun run, set against the picturesque backdrop of Tokyo’s Asakusa district, emphasizes camaraderie over competition, with no official timekeeping.
Scheduled for March 1, 2025, the event will be held at the Taito Riverside Sports Center and Sumida Park. Participants will run in one of three groups, with a total capacity of 1,500 runners.
- Entry Fee: ¥8,800 (Overseas participants), ¥6,600 (Domestic participants)
- Eligibility: Runners aged 12 and above, with parental consent required for participants under 18.
Runners will receive exciting keepsakes, including a finish medal, a traditional Japanese tenugui cloth, and a commemorative button badge. The event also features celebrity appearances and lively entertainment to enhance the experience. The Friendship Run exemplifies the spirit of unity and inclusivity, bringing together runners from diverse backgrounds to share in the joy of running.
Family Run 2025: Creating Memories Together
The Family Run 2025, held on race day itself, offers a unique and heartwarming experience for elementary school students and their guardians. This 1 km fun run starts at Dai-ichi Seimei Hibiya First and ends at the iconic Tokyo Marathon finish line on Gyoko-dori Avenue.
- Entry Fee: ¥6,000 per pair (guardian and child)
- Eligibility: Open to elementary school students and their accompanying guardians, including wheelchair participants.
Participants will run through Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue, soaking in the excitement and energy of marathon day. This event not only introduces young participants to the world of running but also provides families with a cherished opportunity to bond through physical activity.
Tokyo Running Festa 2025: A Citywide Celebration
The Tokyo Running Festa 2025 adds a festive touch to the marathon by engaging runners and supporters in citywide activities. Participants who collect the exclusive Running Festa badge can enjoy discounts, gifts, and special services at participating retailers, restaurants, and facilities along the marathon route.
- Badge Distribution: February 2025
- Offer Period: February 22 to March 31, 2025
- Participating Venues: Sports stores, public bathhouses, tourist attractions, and more.
This initiative not only energizes the marathon community but also supports local businesses, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city.
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Uniting Through Running and Community
The Tokyo Marathon Foundation’s array of pre-race events transforms the marathon experience into a celebration of unity, fitness, and community. Whether running virtually, participating in a fun run, or enjoying the citywide festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Virtual Tokyo Marathon 2025 allows runners to challenge themselves on their terms, while the Friendship Run 2025 and Family Run 2025 emphasize the values of togetherness and joy. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Running Festa 2025 ensures that the marathon spirit extends beyond the race, benefiting runners, supporters, and local businesses alike.
For those attending the Tokyo Marathon in person or participating virtually, these events offer a unique blend of excitement, inclusivity, and community spirit. By uniting runners worldwide, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in the global marathon community.
For more details and registration information, visit the official Tokyo Marathon website.
