Tokyo Marathon To Host 2027 ABBOTWMM MTT Age Group World Championships

January 29, 2026

• Japan will be first Asian country to host the championship
• Runners can compete in more than 375 races to qualify for the championship

JANUARY 29, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – THE TOKYO MARATHON will host the 2027 Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships on March 7 next year.

Tokyo becomes the first race in Asia to host the championships following London, Chicago, Sydney, New York City and Cape Town, who will stage the 2026 event in May.

Qualifying for 2027 is already underway, with the highest-ranked athletes in each age group set to receive invites once the qualifying window closes on September 30, 2026.

More than 375 races around the world comprise the Age Group World Rankings, with athletes earning positions in their age groups every weekend in a bid to finish the season in one of more than 2,000 qualifying places.

The total number qualifying places for each age group will be confirmed in summer 2026.

“We are so excited to bring the championships to Tokyo,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone.

“Runners in all age groups have performed in some incredible feats all over the world both in qualifying and at the championship races. Watching them compete within Tokyo’s amazing marathon will be a thrilling spectacle.”

Yasu Oshima, race director of the Tokyo Marathon said: “We are honored to welcome the Age Group World Championships in 2027, which is a special year for us as the 20^th edition of the Tokyo Marathon.

“Marathon running is a popular sport for all ages in Japan, and I look forward to seeing the world’s fastest age group athletes competing on our roads next March.”

Jeff Adams, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, said: “Japan’s deep-rooted running culture is an inspiration to athletes of all ages, and I look forward to seeing the world’s fastest age-group competitors take to the Tokyo streets next March. Hosting runners and their supporters for over 15 years has allowed us to curate a travel experience that honors this local passion, providing the specialized support and veteran expertise our clients need to excel on the world stage.”

-Ends-

Further information:

World Marathon Majors: press@wmmajors.com

FAQS

What is the Age Group World Championship?

The AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship is an event for athletes ages 40+ who qualify from the Age Group World Rankings. It has been held each year since 2021 within the TCS London Marathon (2021, 2022), the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2023), the TCS Sydney Marathon (2024) and the TCS New York City Marathon (2025). The 2026 event takes places within the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

How do runners qualify?

Athletes must be registered at worldmarathonmajors.com to claim their rankings results and be eligible for an invitation to the Championship event.

There are two pathways to qualification for the 2027 championships

1. Finish in a qualifying position in your age group. Exact qualifying slots per age group will be announced in summer 2026
2. Run the spring 2026 Global Marathon virtual race through the AbbottWMM Global Run Club. There are 200 places available through this route. Enter at globalrunclub.com

When do runners receive their invitations?

In a change to previous qualification process, there will be no automatic qualifying times used due to the high demand for places in Tokyo. For the 2027 championship, qualified athletes will be determined by their position in their Age Group World Ranking after the rankings close on September 30. Qualification confirmation will be sent in mid-October 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT HERE (UPDATED INFO AND FAQS HERE)

About AbbottWMM

The Abbott World Marathon Majors series consists of seven of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.

AbbottWMM hosts a points competition across this series for elite open division and wheelchair athletes, as well as the Six Star program, which rewards any runner who finished all six with the Six Star Medal.

The Age Group World Rankings rewards athletes aged 40+ with the opportunity to compete against their peers for a place at the Age Group World Championship, and the Global Run Club provides a virtual running platform for the community to participate in challenges across a range of distances.

For more information visit worldmarathonmajors.com

About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Youtube.

About Marathon Tours & Travel

Marathon Tours & Travel is a longstanding, recognized leader, and innovator in the sports travel industry for runners and their supporters.

They provide travel packages with guaranteed entry to the top running races worldwide, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone. With a global team dedicated to crafting unique and special trips, based on more than 45 years of client feedback, Marathon Tours & Travel is the premier choice for running enthusiasts seeking the ultimate travel experience.

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