What Tokyo Marathon Foundation does

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation (一般財団法人東京マラソン財団) is a Japanese general incorporated foundation (non-profit) established in 2007 to organize and operate the Tokyo Marathon and related mass-participation running events. It serves a tri-segment participant base of elite international athletes, mass-participation recreational runners, and charity/Duo Team/para-athlete entrants, alongside corporate sponsors, an EXPO visitor audience (76,273 in 2026), and a 1,034,000-strong on-site spectator base.

The Foundation's core product is the annual Tokyo Marathon, one of seven Abbott World Marathon Majors with broadcast reach across 115 countries. Its operational stack includes the race course and timing system, an EXPO and merchandise platform, the VOLUNTAINER volunteer program, the Global Volunteer Program, and the ONE TOKYO member-runner community. In 2026 the race fielded 38,773 starters with a 96.9% finisher rate; the 2027 edition will expand to 40,000 runners with new para-athlete and Duo Team divisions. The Foundation also operates the RUN CYCLE SQUARE sustainability program (waste/circular-resource initiative) and launched the Tokyo Marathon Card in August 2025 as a year-round fan/membership product.

Revenue is generated through participant entry fees, corporate sponsorship, broadcast and media rights, EXPO and merchandise sales, and the Tokyo Marathon Card membership. Charitable giving is a significant adjacent platform, with ¥1,284,565,539 in donations raised in 2026. The Foundation is led by Chairman/CEO Tadaaki Hayano with Race Director Yasuhiro Oshima assuming operational leadership during the 2027 20th-anniversary cycle.

Name

Tokyo Marathon Foundation

Legal name

Tokyo Marathon Foundation (一般財団法人東京マラソン財団)

Website

https://marathon.tokyo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation is a Japanese non-profit that organizes the Tokyo Marathon, one of seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. It serves elite athletes, mass-participation runners, charity/para entrants, corporate sponsors, and spectators, with a 40,000-runner 2027 edition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marathon Event Organization

NAICS

Racetracks (711212)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Road Running Events (Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K/5K) (MPAKAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD)

Keywords

• Marathon event organization
• Running event management
• Sports foundation
• Charity running programs
• International road racing

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Operations and Entry Fees: The Foundation generates revenue primarily through organizing the Tokyo Marathon and related running events. Revenue comes from runner entry fees, charity donations, official merchandise sales, and sponsorship partnerships. The charity program alone generated 12億8,456万5,539円 (approximately 1.284 billion yen) in donations for Tokyo Marathon 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation (一般財団法人東京マラソン財団) is a non-profit general incorporated foundation that organizes and operates the Tokyo Marathon, one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. It produces a portfolio of road running events, race expos, training programs, official tour packages, and charity initiatives, while also running sports legacy and community running programs in Tokyo.

Product overview

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation organizes a comprehensive portfolio of running events and supporting programs centered on the flagship Tokyo Marathon, an Abbott World Marathon Majors race. The core offering is the annual Tokyo Marathon (42.195 km with marathon, wheelchair, semi-elite, and new para-athlete and Duo Team divisions), complemented by the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, the TOHKOKUTAI FES multi-discipline running festival, and supporting events including the Tokyo Marathon EXPO, Friendship Run, Family Run, and Tokyo Running Festa. The foundation's ecosystem includes the VOLUNTAINER volunteer club, the ONE TOKYO membership club with GLOBAL Virtual Run access, the Tokyo Marathon Charity donation program, official merchandise (Tokyo Marathon Karuta), the co-branded Tokyo Marathon Card, and sustainability initiatives such as the Green Mileage Program and RUN CYCLE SQUARE. Official travel and tour services are provided through KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tokyo Marathon
• Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon
• RUN as ONE - Tokyo Marathon
• Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run
• Tokyo Marathon Family Run
• Tokyo Marathon Charity
• Tokyo Marathon EXPO
• TOKYO ROKUTAI FES
• Official Tours (KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL)
• Sports Legacy Program
• Tokyo Marathon Card
• Tokyo Marathon Karuta

Quantifiable outcome

• ¥1,284,565,539 raised through charity programs (Tokyo Marathon 2026)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered premier partner, major partner, main partner, active partner, supporting partner and core.

• Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (東京地下鉄株式会社)premier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTokyo Metro serves as the Premier Partner and official subway operator for the Tokyo Marathon, providing transportation services and major sponsorship support.
• STARTS CORPORATION INC. (スターツ)major partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSTARTS Corporation is a Major Partner providing real estate and development expertise to support the marathon's infrastructure and operations.
• Mastercardmajor partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMastercard serves as a Major Partner and Official Payment Partner, supporting the marathon with payment technology and global brand presence. Partnership extended for 4 years starting from Tokyo Marathon 2025.
• Ouji Seiyaku Co., Ltd. (王子製薬株式会社)major partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerOuji Seiyaku (Seika brand) is a Major Partner specializing in confectionery and pharmaceutical products, supporting runner refreshments and aid stations.
• ASICS Japan Corp. (アシックスジャパン株式会社)major partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerASICS serves as a Major Partner providing athletic footwear, apparel, and running programs including 'Road to Tokyo Marathon' training programs for runners.
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (大塚製薬株式会社)major partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerOtsuka Pharmaceutical (Pocari Sweat brand) is a Major Partner providing hydration and sports beverages for runners and supporting medical/heatstroke prevention information.
• KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL (近畿日本ツーリスト株式会社)main partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKINTETSU INTERNATIONAL serves as the Official Travel Agency managing hotel bookings, official tours with guaranteed entries, and coordinating the International Tour Partner program for global runners.
• SEIKO GROUP CORPORATION (セイコーグループ株式会社)main partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSEIKO Group serves as a Main Partner providing official timing services and sports-related products for the marathon.
• The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited (第一生命株式会社)main partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerDai-ichi Life serves as a Main Partner supporting the marathon with the 'Run with You' project and runner-focused initiatives.
• McDonald's Company (Japan), Ltd. (日本マクドナルド株式会社)main partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMcDonald's Japan serves as a Main Partner providing food services and support for runners at aid stations and events.
• realbuzzmain partnerGTM or Marketing Partnerrealbuzz serves as a Main Partner supporting the marathon with sports apparel and merchandise offerings.
• Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (株式会社みずほ銀行)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMizuho Bank serves as an Active Partner providing financial services and banking support for the marathon organization.
• Kokumin Kyosai coop (全国労働者共済生活協同組合連合会)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerKokumin Kyosai coop (Zenrosai) serves as an Active Partner providing cooperative insurance and support services.
• Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. (久光製薬株式会社)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerHisamitsu Pharmaceutical (Air Salonpas brand) serves as an Active Partner supporting with pain relief products for runners.
• Kao Corporation (花王株式会社)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerKao Corporation serves as an Active Partner providing personal care and household products for marathon support.
• Earth Corporation (アース製薬株式会社)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Corporation serves as an Active Partner providing household and environmental products supporting the marathon's sustainability initiatives.
• Porsche Japan K.K. (ポルシェジャパン株式会社)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPorsche Japan serves as an Active Partner providing luxury automotive support and sponsorship for the marathon.
• VENEX Co., Ltd. (株式会社ベネクス)active partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerVENEX serves as an Active Partner providing wellness and sports apparel products for runner support.
• NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION (日本光電工業株式会社)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNIHON KOHDEN serves as a Supporting Partner providing medical equipment and health monitoring technology for the marathon.
• KOYOU RENTIA Co., Ltd. (コーユーレンティア株式会社)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerKOYOU RENTIA serves as a Supporting Partner providing rental equipment and temporary facility services for the marathon.
• Fanplus, Inc. (株式会社Fanplus)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFanplus serves as a Supporting Partner providing fan engagement and digital content services for the marathon.
• Shimizu Octo, Inc. (株式会社シミズオクト)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerShimizu Octo serves as a Supporting Partner providing facility management and operational support services.
• SAGAWA EXPRESS CO., LTD. (佐川急便株式会社)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSAGAWA EXPRESS serves as a Supporting Partner providing logistics and delivery services for marathon operations.
• TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (株式会社田中貴金属グループ)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTANAKA serves as a Supporting Partner providing precious metal products including medals and commemorative awards.
• Hibino Corporation (ヒビノ株式会社)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerHibino serves as a Supporting Partner providing audio-visual equipment and event production services.
• Photocreate Co., Ltd. (株式会社フォトクリエイト)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPhotocreate (allsports) serves as a Supporting Partner providing official photography services and photo products for runners.
• ASUENE Inc. (アスエネ株式会社)supporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerASUENE serves as a Sustainability Partner providing carbon footprint calculation and environmental sustainability support for the marathon's green initiatives.
• Abbott World Marathon Majors (アボット・ワールドマラソンメジャーズ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTokyo Marathon is a founding member of Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM), joining Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. AWMM is the world's premier marathon series awarding the highest prize money in the series ($170,000 for champions). The partnership provides elite athlete recruitment, global brand recognition, and Six Star Finisher program.
• Japan Association of Athletics Federations (日本陸連/JAAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial governing body partner providing athletics regulations, elite athlete certification, and marathon series coordination including Japan Marathon Championship series.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government (東京都)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost city government providing organizational support, venue access, traffic regulation coordination, and municipal resources for marathon operations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NYRR / TCS New York City Marathon: Operator of the TCS NYC Marathon, another AWMM founding race; a directly comparable nonprofit road race organizer operating the world's largest marathon with similar structure of mass participation, lottery entry, and elite competition.
• Boston Athletic Association (Boston Marathon): Fellow founding member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, organizing the Boston Marathon with a comparable mass-participation road race, lottery/qualification entry, and global brand recognition. Operates as a comparable nonprofit sports event body in the US.
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: One of the six Abbott World Marathon MajORS; runs a comparable urban road marathon with mass-participation registration, large sponsor stack, and charity partner program aimed at similar runner demographics.
• TCS London Marathon: One of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors with an annual mass-participation London road race; comparable charity-fundraising ecosystem, elite athlete prize structure, and global broadcast distribution.
• BMW Berlin Marathon (SCC EVENTS): Fellow AWMM race organized by SCC EVENTS in Germany; directly comparable as a mass-participation road marathon with elite-prize competition and strong corporate sponsor portfolio targeting the same global marathoner audience.

Regional players

• Beijing Marathon (Beijing ASA): Asia's other major annual road marathon; comparable large-scale mass-participation road race in the same Asia-Pacific region competing for international marathoner demand, sponsorship dollars, and AWMM-style prestige.
• Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon: Major Southeast Asian mass-participation marathon with strong corporate sponsor backing; a regional competitor pursuing international runners, charity engagement, and premium event positioning in the same Asian market.
• Seoul International Marathon: Long-established mass-participation and elite Korean road marathon competing for share of runners in Northeast Asia; overlaps with Tokyo's regional positioning for both elite athletes and international recreational runners.

Others

• Abbott World Marathon Majors: Strategic umbrella organization that Tokyo Marathon co-founded; provides the Six Star Finisher program, $170,000 champions prize, and shared brand platform that underpins Tokyo's premium positioning. Functions as a regulatory/commercial partner rather than a competitor.
• Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF): National governing body of athletics in Japan and a Core strategic partner of the Foundation; comparable nonprofit sports federation that sanctions other domestic marathons (Fukuoka, Lake Biwa) and shapes the elite competition landscape in which Tokyo operates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/tokyo42195_org
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYRJbptDpmdqgXbpU39Pm7g
• Facebookfacebook.com/tokyo42195.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/tokyomarathonfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tokyo Marathon Foundation