StanChart and Cathay partner with Mastercard on exclusive Tokyo Marathon 2026 access

Standard Chartered and Cathay have partnered with Mastercard, the global marketing partner and exclusive official payment partner of the Tokyo Marathon, to provide cardholders an exclusive opportunity to secure their entry into the Tokyo Marathon 2026.  

This comes as the Tokyo Marathon is often accompanied by a rigorous registration process and highly limited slots, making it one of the most sought-after experiences in the global running community.  

To celebrate the partnership, an out-of-home campaign has been launched at Admiralty station in Hong Kong, turning the everyday commute into an immersive runway featuring vivid snapshots from the marathon.  

While thousands of commuters pass through, they'll be transported into the excitement of running the Tokyo Marathon — transforming daily routines into inspiring dreams.  

To amplify the campaign, Standard Chartered Hong Kong is collaborating with local influencers and athletes to spotlight these exclusive opportunities, building energy and enthusiasm across communities.  

Haymans Fung, global head, WRB marketing and head, WRB marketing, Hong Kong, Standard Chartered, said, “At Standard Chartered, we connect health and financial wellness to bolster our clients’ physical and mental vitality. Building on our longstanding legacy in promoting sports across our footprint, we partnered with Mastercard, global marketing partner and exclusive official payment partner of the Tokyo Marathon, to offer our cardholders exclusive access to this coveted race and empower them to elevate their wellbeing.”

Linda Wang, head of lifestyle marketing, Cathay, said, “As a premium travel lifestyle brand, Cathay is committed to elevating lives and moving people through exceptional experiences. That’s why we are dedicated to delivering exclusive opportunities that money alone cannot buy. Through Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard, we pave your way to extraordinary, giving our customers access to events like the Tokyo Marathon, where the extraordinary comes alive.” 

Helena Chen, senior vice president, general manager, Hong Kong and Macau, Mastercard, said, “Mastercard is committed to bringing people closer to their passions and to one another, demonstrated through our coveted roster of global sponsorships, including the Tokyo Marathon. We are thrilled to extend this sponsorship to Hong Kong for the first time, giving cardholders unique access to world-class events and celebrating the joy of running, while creating remarkable moments and priceless experiences.” 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Standard Chartered for more information. 

The Tokyo Marathon is a large-scale event with participation numbers fluctuating each year. Last year, the event saw over 37,000 participants and the Tokyo Marathon 2023 had 38,231 marathon participants. Participants can range from elite athletes such as Benson Kipruto to a general public who gain entry through various lotteries and entry methods, including overseas entries.

The registration of general entry of the marathon this year ended on 29 August, while the selection result is scheduled to be notified on 19 September 2025 through the official website. 

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