Tokyo Marathon 2025: Key Details, Schedule, and How to Watch Live

The 2025 Tokyo Marathon, the first major marathon of the year, is fast approaching, set to take place on Sunday, March 2. This prestigious event will kick off the Marathon Majors series, drawing elite runners from around the world to race through the streets of Tokyo. A total of 169 top-tier athletes will lead a field of 38,000 participants, with the marathon beginning at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and concluding at Tokyo Station.

For Japanese runners, the event holds even greater significance, serving as a qualifier for the upcoming World Athletics Championships, which will also be held in Tokyo later in the year.

Key Runners to Watch

Defending men’s champion, Benson Kipruto returns to defend his title after claiming the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Kenyan marathoner will face stiff competition from Joshua Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic middle-distance champion and world record-holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Cheptegei, who transitioned to marathon running last year, will be aiming for his first marathon victory.

In the women’s race, expect fierce competition between the last three winners of the Tokyo Marathon. Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru, and the former world record-holder and Olympic silver medallist, Brigid Kosgei, are all set to battle it out for the top spot.

Additionally, Paula Radcliffe, the 51-year-old British marathon legend and former world record holder, will make a special appearance. Radcliffe, who is aiming for a Six Star finish by completing all six Marathon Majors, will also compete in the Boston Marathon just six weeks later.

Tokyo Marathon 2025 Full Schedule

Sunday, 2 March

• 9:05 AM – Wheelchair 10.7km
• 9:10 AM – Marathon (42.2 km)

How to Watch the Tokyo Marathon 2025

For those wanting to watch the race live, the broadcasting details will be released closer to the event. In Japan, Nippon Television and its affiliates will air the race. International viewers can catch the action on various streaming platforms such as Hulu, Tver, and NTV Tada.

Last year, the marathon was broadcast in 160 countries and territories, with major international broadcasters including Eurosport, Canal+, Flo Sports, and ESPN International. Keep an eye out for more information on additional coverage as the event approaches.