Tokyo Marathon 2026: Inside One of the World’s Biggest Races

Tokyo Marathon 2026 delivered another spectacular chapter in the World Marathon Majors season. Each year, thousands of runners from around the world travel to Japan every March to take part in one of the most iconic marathons on the calendar.

This year, SportsShoes ambassador and elite runner David Gärtlein lined up at the start.. After missing the 2025 race due to injury, he returned to Tokyo determined to make the most of the opportunity, and delivered an outstanding performance, setting a new personal best and once again becoming the fastest German finisher in a World Marathon Major.

In this article David shares his experience on racing through the streets of Tokyo, and the challenges that shaped his performance on the day.

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A tough Battle to the Finish

David started in the Run as One Semi-Elite Overseas wave, in which the 25 fastest international applicants are selected, giving them a guaranteed starting spot at the Tokyo Marathon.

David pushed the pace early and reached the halfway mark in an impressive 1:07:10. The second half of the race turned into a real battle for him: headwinds over the final five kilometers and heavy legs made the finale feel like a “survival documentary.” Despite a challenging second half of the race, he didn't give up and fought through to the finish line in 2:17:55

"I ran by heart, left everything on the course, struggled often — but fought back every single time!“

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ASICS Metaspeed™ 32 Sky Tokyo.

David's secret weapon on Marathon day was the ASICS Metaspeed™ Sky Tokyo. He describes them ultra-light, breathable, and springy – a true weapon for fast times on competition day, which his new PB confirms!

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Q&A With David Gärtlein

How did you cope with the disappointment of not being able to compete in the Tokyo Marathon last year?
Not being able to participate in the Tokyo Marathon in 2025 was very disappointing for me. It took me several weeks to really come to terms with it, because I was in very good shape at the time and it was supposed to be a highlight of the year.

I kept telling myself, "My time will come!"

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What were your expectations going into the 2026 Tokyo Marathon – were you aiming for a personal best or simply to enjoy the race and the experience?

I went to Tokyo expecting to run a personal best – but you always have to take external factors into account: jet lag, weather, etc.

In the end, I managed to significantly beat my personal best from 2025, which of course made me very happy. However, I made some mistakes during the race, and they ultimately caught up with me. From a personal standpoint, it just wasn’t my best day.

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What makes the Tokyo Marathon special for you compared to other big marathons?
The start right at the Government Building was truly special.

The course itself passes through numerous districts, which makes the race very exciting. Running through the streets of Tokyo has a unique atmosphere: the many advertising signs in Japanese script and the spectators cheering in their own way. People clap more and are a little more reserved, but there is still a great atmosphere along the course.  

What was your biggest challenge at the Tokyo Marathon?
A particular challenge was the time difference. With about eight hours of jet lag and a roughly 14-hour journey, it's not easy to run a fast marathon right away. For me, Tokyo was therefore significantly more difficult than Chicago or New York.

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What should people consider in advance when planning for the Tokyo Marathon?
You should definitely arrive in good time! I flew out on Tuesday and landed on Wednesday – that was just about enough time. It's also essential to familiarise yourself with the start area on the race day a few days beforehand, as the gates are sometimes one level below the start itself. The good thing is that the Japanese are very friendly, so you'll always find someone to help you.

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FAQs about the running the Tokyo Marathon

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SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.