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Run the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity with Room to Read

Information in Japanese

Click the image to join as a charity runner and support Room to Read!

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

Apply from the Application for Room to Read Japan and apply in JPY for the pledged amount.
Selection is based on your donation amount and message submitted during application.
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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Mr. Yusuf Alireza (Dubai / Board of Directors, Room to Read)

"The Tokyo Marathon 2024 was a remarkable journey, not just for the distance covered, but for the cause it championed – aiding children worldwide in their quest for literacy and learning. Every step taken by the runners was a pledge towards nurturing the dreams of these young learners. The heartfelt contributions from donors turned the marathon into a celebration of hope and empowerment. As we gear up for the Tokyo Marathon 2025, we carry the pride of having contributed to a global cause and the excitement to continue this journey of support. Join us as we run not just for the finish line, but for a brighter future for children everywhere. Let's make every mile count for their education."

Mr. Bhup Rwal (USA)

"I choose to run for Room to Read Japan because of their goal of helping kids who are in need to advance their dreams of education worldwide. The best charity goals that fit my own vision and preferences. They use 100% of donations towards supporting their goal of facilitating kids to read and learn. The charity team was wonderful to help promptly in all steps and answered my questions."

Mr. Kyoichiro Suzuki and Mrs. Naoko Suzuki (Japan)

"We fully support Room to Read's focus on children's education and their commitment to efficient and waste-free initiatives. Over the past 13 years, we have been proud to support and walk alongside them. Please consider running as a charity runner, envisioning the resilient determination of children as they move forward."

Stephany, 6 Major Marathon Fnisher 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:
Room to Read was featured byMarathon Training Academy! Listen to our podcast interview and learn more!Interview starts from 27min point.

Comments and runners' photos from past races:

・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

TMF Official Information (Regularly updated)

✓Official Website “RUN with HEART” Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity Page
✓Eligibility for participants as a Charity runner

About Room to Read

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read develops children’s foundational literacy skills, as well as life skills that promote gender equality. We nurture these essential skills in children by training and coaching educators, creating quality learning materials and spaces, strengthening education systems, and delivering programs directly and with partners – all while honoring the dignity of every child. Committed to accelerating learning outcomes for more children, more quickly, we have benefited more than 50 million children across 28 countries. Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow. Visit us at www.roomtoread.org.

Learn more about Room to Read’s Literacy Program and Girl's Education Program

Learn More

Inside Room to Read's Literacy Program

Literacy Program Fact Sheet

Our approach not only works for all children — it works at scale. By building literacy skills alongside reading habits, and by engaging governments and other NGOs to use this highly effective methodology, we are cementing the foundation for systemic change in education and paving an inclusive path
toward ending global illiteracy.

Learn more about Room to Read’s Literacy Program