Mastercard has announced a landmark four-year partnership with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, marking its entry into one of the world’s premier marathon events. Beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2028, Mastercard will serve as the exclusive official payment partner of the annual Tokyo Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label event and one of the six prestigious Abbot World Marathon Majors.

This partnership further elevates Mastercard’s global sports sponsorship portfolio, positioning the company at the heart of one of the most celebrated marathons in the world. The Tokyo Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners and countless spectators every year, making it an ideal platform for Mastercard to engage directly with its cardholders and the broader public.

Bringing Unique Benefits to Mastercard Cardholders

As part of the partnership, Mastercard will provide a range of exclusive benefits for its cardholders participating in or attending the marathon. These include multilingual runner support services and cashback offers on baggage storage fees for those who pay with a Mastercard. The company will also introduce the ‘The Day We Unite’ theme, aimed at celebrating both the exhilaration of running and the communal spirit of marathon supporters.

“Mastercard is always on the lookout for new ways to delight our customers and cardholders by connecting them to their passions,” said Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. She emphasized how the partnership will not only boost business growth but also foster stronger community connections through the shared experience of marathon running.

Supporting a Global Running Movement

With the rising popularity of marathon running worldwide, Mastercard’s move into the Tokyo Marathon space is seen as a strategic effort to tap into the health, social, and accessibility benefits that the sport offers. By partnering with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, Mastercard aims to promote the growing global movement around running while enhancing its own product offerings.

Tadaaki Hayano, Chairman/CEO of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting the shared commitment to making the Tokyo Marathon the world’s “safest, most exciting, warmest, and friendliest event.”

Mastercard’s broader sponsorship strategy, which includes pre-sale ticketing, exclusive events, and meet-and-greets, will extend to the Tokyo Marathon, providing runners and spectators with unique opportunities that go beyond the race. This effort builds on Mastercard’s popular Priceless platform, designed to connect customers with exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.