The 2026 Tokyo Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 1. You can easily watch this World Marathon Majors event through free online streams from Japanese broadcasters or on TV. This year’s race features an incredibly deep elite field, with several compelling storylines to follow.
π 2026 Tokyo Marathon Overview
- π Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
- β° Key Start Times:
- Wheelchair Races: 9:05 AM JST
- Marathon (Runner) Races: 9:10 AM JST
- π Course: Starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishes in front of Tokyo Station (Gyoko-dori avenue)
πΊ How to Watch for Free
Several Japanese broadcasters will provide live coverage. Here are the best options for viewers in Japan and those using VPNs:
| Viewing Method | Specific Platform/Program | Broadcast Time (March 1, JST) | Features & Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Streaming (Recommended) | TVer (γγ£γΌγγΌ) / Nittele TADA (ζ₯γγ¬η‘ζ!) | 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM | Completely Free. Available on smartphones, PCs, and tablets. No registration required for some services . |
| TV Broadcast | Nippon Television (NTV/ζ₯γγ¬) National Network | 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM | Free. Ideal for a large-screen experience, widely available across Japan . |
| Extended CS Satellite TV | Nittele Plus (ζ₯γγ¬γγ©γΉ) | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Paid Channel. Will broadcast the full wheelchair marathon and all finishers, including age-group runners . |
| Radio Broadcast | Radio Japan (γ©γΈγͺζ₯ζ¬) | 8:45 AM – 11:35 AM | Free. Perfect for following the race on the go . |
Note for International Viewers: The free streams from TVer and Nittele TADA are officially available only within Japan. Viewers outside Japan may need to use a VPN service to access these feeds.
π Race Preview: A Clash of Champions
This year’s race is not just a competition; it’s a stage for national record battles and a legendary farewell.
Men’s Race: A Japanese Showdown
-
Suguru Osako (倧迫ε): The current Japanese national record holder (2:04:55, set in Valencia in Dec 2025) makes a powerful return to Tokyo, aiming for the podium .
-
Kengo Suzuki (ι΄ζ¨ε₯εΎ): The former Japanese national record holder (2:04:56) will face off against Osako in a highly anticipated “dream duel” between Japan’s two fastest men .
-
International Challengers: The field is packed with international talent, including defending champion Tadese Takele, 2024 Tokyo runner-up Timothy Kiplagat (PB 2:02:55), and 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao .
Women’s Race: A Legend’s Final Bow
-
Ai Hosoda (η΄°η°ζ): The popular Japanese runner has announced that this Tokyo Marathon will be her final competitive race. She will be aiming for a memorable and emotional finish .
-
Ethiopian Duel for the Title: Defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede aims for a three-peat, but faces a formidable challenge from her compatriot Hawi Feysa, the 2025 Chicago Marathon champion with a stellar PB of 2:14:57 .
-
Former World Record Holder: Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei (PB 2:14:04) is also in the field, adding even more star power to an incredibly deep women’s race .
Race Significance
As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the 2026 Tokyo Marathon also serves as an official selection trial for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games for Japanese athletes, raising the stakes even higher .
You must be logged in to post a comment Login