Tokyo Marathon 2026: Prize Money, Elite Field and How to Watch Live

The world's top marathoners will gather in Japan this Sunday for the Tokyo Marathon, kicking off the annual World Marathon Majors series.

Traditionally held on the first Sunday of March, the event sets a high bar for the races to follow. A significant prize purse awaits the top finishers.

According to the race organisers, the top male and female finishers will each receive $80,000, with second place earning $30,000 and third place taking home $15,000.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The athletes who finish fourth, fifth and sixth will walk away with $7,000, $5,000 and $4,000. The seventh, eighth and ninth-place finishers will pocket $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000. The athlete to cross the finish line in 10th place will bag $500.

An additional bonus of $200,000 is on offer for any athlete who breaks the current world record. The men's record stands at 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023, while Ruth Chepng'etich holds the women's record of 2:09:56.

Kenya's Alexander Mutiso, the reigning London Marathon champion, headlines a stacked men's field. Mutiso aims to improve on his bronze medal finish in Tokyo last year, a season that also saw him place second at the New York Marathon.

He will face stiff competition from compatriot Timothy Kiplagat, who is determined to claim the top spot after finishing as runner-up in 2024. Kiplagat's remarkable time of 2:02:55 in that race established him as the seventh-fastest marathoner in history.

Also vying for the title is Ethiopia's Tadese Takele, the defending champion who won last year's race with a time of 2:03:23. Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, a two-time bronze medalist in Tokyo, will also return, adding further depth to the competitive lineup.

In the women's event, Ethiopian duo Sutume Asefa and Hawi Feysa are expected to be front-runners. Asefa, the defending champion, is chasing an unprecedented third consecutive victory, while Feysa, last year's bronze medalist, will be looking to challenge for the win.

The field also features Brigid Kosgei, a five-time major winner who is starting her season in Tokyo. Kosgei, who won the event in 2021 and secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will now be competing for Turkey after changing her allegiance.

Another formidable contender is Rosemary Wanjiru, who has a proven track record in Japan, having won the Tokyo Marathon in 2023 before going on to win the Berlin Marathon last year.

Viewers in Kenya can watch the race live on Supersport, with coverage beginning at 3:00 AM EAT.