Corrals are assigned based on your reported finish time. No matter how fast one’s reported time is however, a general entry runner may only be in Block B at best. Block A is reserved only for Run as One – Tokyo Marathon Semi-Elite athletes.

To obtain a Block A bib, one must register through the semi-elite process, which implements a qualifying standard. Achieving the qualifying standard does not guarantee the entry into the event, but grants a less competitive field of entry. In recent years, not all qualifiers who submit an entry have been accepted due to field size restrictions.

Block A consists of JAAF-registered athletes and about 300 overseas semi-elite male and female runners who reside outside of Japan (regardless of nationality) and whom all meet the qualifying standard. Read more about running semi-elite here.

In 2019, corral placement looked like this:

Elite athletes, invited athletes, and wheelchair athletes
— start line —
Block A (Semi-Elite)
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E, including 10KM
Block F
Block G
Block H
Block J
Block K
Block L

We can’t stress enough that you should be in your corral before the cut-off time for when corrals close. There is less than half an hour between the time corrals close and the marathon starts – plan wisely!

For the Tokyo Marathon 2019, runners not in his/her corral by 0845 were reassigned to start at the very back.

Tokyo Marathon 2019
Corrals open at 0800
Corrals close at 0845
Marathon starts at 0910

Race security is a priority for the Tokyo Marathon. Hence, all runners must wear their Tokyo Marathon wristbands which includes a chip with details of vital information, including a photo of yourself with your bib.

Before entering a corral, wristbands are scanned to ensure the face and bib match. Additional security measures include baggage inspection, metal detectors, and strict limitations on hydration units, including water bottles and nutrition.

Your entrance gate is printed on your bib. As a means of controlling congestion and limiting confusion, runners must enter their assigned corral via the appropriate entrance gate. Signage is aplenty and volunteers will happily assist those lost or confused.

That said, Shinjuku is a huge area where even the most seasoned of locals will get lost. If you have time, it’s a good idea to do a walk through to mentally map out how you’ll reach the race site and gate area before the day of the race.

Spectators will not feel an overt security presence on the course. Of course, some areas will be cordoned off and spectators are not permitted near the finish area.

In 2019, the Tokyo Marathon experienced temperatures ranging between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius or about 43 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions were less than ideal as runners saw a persistent drizzle throughout the entire race combined with bitterly cold winds.

If not wet, conditions in Tokyo are always very dry in the winter. You can expect your lips to become chapped, unless you utilize precautionary measures.

You will spend a fair amount of time outside facing the elements before the start. Wear layers you don’t mind throwing away (don’t worry, these are donated to charitable causes) and bring a plastic poncho or foil blanket. You can purchase ponchos at Daiso (the 110 yen store), wear a large trash bag, or recycle items from a previous race.

No glass bottles, aluminium cans, metal Thermo bottles, or plastic PET bottles.

Bottom line – no water bottles.

They are very strict about this and will show no mercy in confiscating your bottles. Once confiscated, you will not be able to reclaim it.

One solution is to bring an empty hydration pack or handheld and hope that you’ll be able to fill it up once you are past security.

Exceptions are made for commercial spray cans which have not been opened, are 120mL or less, AND are clearly medical products or cosmetics, i.e. sunscreen. 

Last year, security permitted runners to bring unopened gels and nutritional  items, such as gu gels, Clif Bloks, etc. Of course, unopened sponsor items such as Calorie Mate jelly, Pocari Sweat jelly, and Body Mainte jelly are welcomed. Each individual item must be no more than 250ml for a combined total of 500ml or less.

Similarly, runners were permitted one unopened aerosol/spray items of 120ml or less, limited to either the Air Salon Pas (120ml or less) or Anessa Perfect UV Spray Aqua Booster.

Unopened commercial liquids in cartons and pouches are permitted provided they are 250mL (8oz) or less per container. Regardless of the number of containers, you must not exceed 500mL (16oz). 

In other words, you are allowed  bring unopened gels and nutritional items, such as Gu gels, Clif Bloks, etc. Of course, unopened sponsor items such as Calorie Mate jelly, Pocari Sweat jelly, and Body Mainte jelly are welcomed.

Sprays and spray cans are prohibited. Exceptions are made for commercial spray cans which have not been opened, are 120mL or less, AND are clearly medical products or cosmetics, i.e. sunscreen or pain-relieving sprays like Salon Pas.