Once upon a time, (or, to be more precise, exactly 20 years ago), 5 individual marathon races from across the world were brought together as one. Plucked from the opposite of obscurity they were chosen for one specific reason: to showcase the very best of marathon running. Ripe with not only talent, but also history, they were the upper echelon. What other marathons, and runners themselves, still today aspire to be a part of. The Abbott World Marathon Majors. Over time that number would grow to 7, where it has stayed ever since. But while we often consider them as a group, much like Snow White and her seven dwarfs, they each have their own intrigue, and very unique personalities.

1. Tokyo- Lively

7 years had passed since the start of the World Marathon Majors, and the global movement of elite running was in full swing. So much so that it kept swinging past one particular section of the globe: Asia. The Tokyo Marathon is often thought of as more of a younger marathon, and though it has only existed in its current format since 2007, in reality it dates back to 1981. Back then it consisted of 2 marathons: the Tokyo International Marathon which would take place on even years, and the Tokyo-New York Friendship International Marathon, for the odd years. But as is the theme of the Tokyo Marathon, ‘The Day We Unite’, rather fittingly, so did its two marathons, and in 2007 they became one annual race.

All of this means of course that in 2006 when the first group of major marathons was formed, the Tokyo Marathon, quite literally, wasn’t in the running. But what it may lack in history, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. And in 2013, the year it became the 6th major marathon, the buzz was simply too big to ignore.

The key to all that buzz, that great atmosphere? It’s people. Without them, neither can exist, and the Tokyo Marathon was built to welcome with open arms. But what it can’t control is exactly who walks into them, and that is where the intrigue lies.

Age is no barrier…

Ironically, while the annual Tokyo Marathon is on the younger side at just 19 years old, its participants lie at the other extreme. Open to all it most definitely is, with representation across almost every age group, from 18-25s to even the 90-95s. This 2026 edition in particular will see the highest percentage of runners in the 50-54 age range at 15.6%. Over double the number of participants aged 25-29. In fact, there will be almost as many 70 year olds as there are 20-24 year olds competing. Year after year the Tokyo Marathon is host to an older demographic, with more than 50% over the age of 40. And that age distribution is only becoming more stark, with just 29.7% of runners in the 18-40 range this year. 

It is fitting, given Japan itself is home to one of the world’s oldest populations, with almost 30% of its residents over the age of 65. Being relatively new to the international scene as well, the Tokyo Marathon field is still overwhelmingly local, which is a huge factor in its resulting age demographic. This figure though has been dropping steadily from where it lay at around 80% 10 years ago. And it looks like soon, a 50/50 balance will be found. 

But there’s another side to this story, and it’s one of empowerment. Nowadays younger generations dominate sport to an overwhelming extent. The Tokyo Marathon having a much older population leaves more room for them under the spotlight. Room they don’t usually get, but that doesn’t mean they shine any less bright under it. Take Iván Moreno for example. A former Cuban sprinter who competed at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo in the 100m. Last year, at age 83, he brought his career full circle with a return to Tokyo and a race this time over the longest outdoor distance: the marathon. Crossing the finish line in 5:40:26, he became the oldest person to ever complete the 6 major marathons. When it comes to Tokyo, everyone has a reason to feel inspired.

…But gender is?

Which is what makes the next fact I’m about to tell you all the more puzzling. Age isn’t the only area in which the Tokyo Marathon stands out statistically: it’s gender too. This year, just 26.1% of enlisted runners are women. A figure which has risen, but only from the 20% where it started in 2007. To put that into perspective, last year’s Boston Marathon saw a roughly 43% female split. Almost double the proportion of women than in Tokyo.

The reasoning for this is both mixed, and uncertain. But most of all it stems from the fact that up until 2007, the Tokyo Marathon wasn’t a mixed gender race. It was divided. This new type of racing is less ingrained into Japanese culture. As a result, the presence of the Nagoya woman’s-only marathon also in early March serves as a more familiar option for locals. The facts may paint a grim picture, but there is light beneath the surface. These things take time to change, and it can’t be said that Tokyo is an unwelcome host.

The story continues this Sunday 1st March

So if you hadn’t already gathered, the tale of the Tokyo Marathon is one of extremes. A sudden burst in popularity led to a huge learning curve but also a huge opportunity. With extreme demographics comes extreme room for growth, and the atmosphere in Tokyo is one of joy and welcome. That is, for 7 hours only, after which your time is up and you’re no longer welcome on the course.

Written by- Rosana Ercilla