Why Run for Room to Read?
At Room to Read, we believe World Change Starts with Educated Children®.
By running the Tokyo Marathon as a charity runner, you’ll help provide children and girls with the literacy and life skills they need to shape brighter futures. Since 2023, 374 dedicated runners have raised funds to support education for over 29,500 children worldwide.
We make it easy to support your run:
- Donate in your local currency (AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, USD, JPY)
- Access tax benefits in many countries
- Double your impact through corporate matching
- Use our fundraising platform to rally your network with ease
Your steps can help close the literacy gap—773 million people still cannot read, and two-thirds are women and girls.
Join us. Run for a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality.
🌟 Our Goal for 2026
Our goal for the 2026 Tokyo Marathon is to help 10,000 young learners and girls in historically low-income communities access quality education.
📍Quota
147 Runners
🎓 How to Join
Application Period：June 24 (Tue.) 11AM 〜 July 9 (Wed.) 5PM JST
- Minimum Donation: JPY 375,000 (≒ US$2,500) or more.
*Selection is based on donation amount and message. An additional US$230 registration fee applies for international runners. - Apply from the Application for Room to Read Japan and apply in JPY for the pledged amount.
- Changes, late applications, or runner transfers are not allowed.
- For full eligibility and process details, please Refer to Official Website “RUN with HEART” Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity Page and eligibilities.💳 Donation Details
Minimum: JPY 375,000 (≒ US$2,500) or more.
*In addition to the donation, $230 will be charged as a registration fee for international runners.
- Multiple currencies accepted.
Donate in AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, USD, and JPY. Tax benefits are available in many countries. Check here. - Corporate matches accepted.
Check here under “Matching Gifts and Workplace Giving”. - Fundraising platform provided.
Receive support from your network!🚀 Our Fundraising Target
Your fundraising goals will make a significant difference:
We ask all of our charity runners try to raise $5,000 (including the minimum commitiment) in order to secure education for 10,000 children and girls!
- $2,500: Literacy Learning packages for an entire school including student books, posters, materials and supplies, library management manuals and reading activity guides.
- $5,000: Support 100 children with literacy education for an entire year
- $10,000: Support 200 girls in our Girls’ Education Program for an entire year
FAQ
Can I apply after the application period?
No. Runners must apply through the Tokyo Marathon Foundation’s platform during the designated application period.
I selected a different charity! How can I correct it?
Unfortunately, the selected charity organization cannot be changed once your application is completed. Please be sure to specify “Room to Read Japan” as the recipient when applying.
Can I change the runner?
No. The bib is strictly assigned to the person who applied and cannot be transferred.
Due to injury or a change of plans, I am unable to run on the day of the event. Can I transfer my entry to the following year?
Unfortunately, no. You will need to apply again the following year and make a new donation for your bib.
Due to injury or a change of plans, I am unable to run on the day of the event. Can I request a refund for my donation?
The Tokyo Marathon Foundation does not allow refunds once a donation has been made. Please read the Tokyo Marathon Foundation’s official website carefully for full details.
Benefits
- Receive a special Room to Read T-shirt
- Be surrounded by cheers and support along the course
- Get access to a Facebook group for our Room to Read charity runner community
- Be invited to gather with top runners during the pre-race Emperor’s Palace Run
Imperial Palace Run organized by Deloitte Running Team
Total 47 volunteers gathered and supported during the event
Runner Testimonials & Media Mentions
Stephany, 6 Major Marathon Finisher Interview
Stephany successfully completed the Tokyo Marathon 2025, achieving all six major marathons. We interviewed her at the charity lounge after the race. Watch her message!
Featured Media and Articles of the past races:
・Web Radio: Marathon Training Academy (Interview starts from 27min point)
・Tokyo Marathon 2025: 164 Charity Runners from 21 Countries Run to Support the Education of 10,000 Children!
・Tokyo Marathon 2024: 150 charity runners from 25 countries run for Room to Read!
・Comments from charity runners in 2023
General Inquiry:
Room to Read Japan:📤jp.marathon@roomtoread.org
Tokyo Marathon Foundation Official (Regularly updated)
・Official Website “RUN with HEART” Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity Page
・Eligibility for participants as a Charity runner