For over half a century, the United States held the title as the world’s largest amateur marathon market, attracting participants globally. However, the emergence of the Tokyo Marathon in 2007 sparked a running boom in Japan, coinciding with a surge in marathon popularity worldwide. The Association of Road Racing Statisticians diligently tracks marathon finisher numbers by country, showcasing the evolving landscape of amateur running events.
While Chinese and Korean marathons faced challenges in providing complete results, Japan’s marathon scene flourished. Over the past decade, global marathon finisher numbers more than doubled, exceeding two million by 2015. During this period, the U.S. witnessed a 30% growth in marathon finishers, yet its market share dwindled from nearly 40% to less than 25%.
Conversely, Japan experienced remarkable growth, with marathon finishers surging from under 100,000 to over 550,000. By 2015, Japan’s marathon market share had surpassed 25%, outpacing the U.S. for the first time since 1961. The country’s 25 largest marathons in 2015 boasted a total of 366,066 finishers, signifying Japan’s dominance in the global marathon landscape.
As Japan’s marathon market continues to expand, it is poised to maintain its lead in the coming years, with China emerging as a potential contender. The number of major marathons worldwide, attracting 10,000 or more finishers, has also grown significantly, with Japan hosting a notable share of these prestigious events.
In the U.S., major marathon numbers remained relatively stagnant, contrasting Japan’s meteoric rise in hosting large-scale running events. International marathon tourism played a significant role in the U.S. marathon scene, with iconic races like New York and Boston drawing participants from across the globe.
Japanese marathons faced challenges in attracting international participants due to language barriers in entry services. However, with initiatives like Runnet Japan offering English-language services, the influx of foreign runners into Japan’s marathon circuit is on the rise.
Entry services like Samurai Running Japan cater to overseas visitors, providing a unique opportunity to explore Japan through running. With an increasing number of international participants joining Japanese races, entry services are adapting to accommodate the diverse needs of global runners.
The top 25 marathons in Japan in 2015 showcased the country’s vibrant running culture, with events like the Tokyo Marathon, Osaka Marathon, and Yokohama Marathon attracting thousands of participants. Japan’s marathon market’s exponential growth reflects a shift in the global running landscape, with the country solidifying its position as a marathon powerhouse.
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