Mastercard today announced its official partnership with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation that will see it supporting the Tokyo Marathon for four years, from 2025 through 2028. The annual Tokyo Marathon is a World Athletics Platinum Label marathon and one of six Abbot World Marathon Majors. The addition of this partnership enhances Mastercard’s coveted roster of sports sponsorships and extends the company’s commitment to bringing people closer to their passions and each other.
As a global marketing partner and the exclusive official payment partner, Mastercard will promote Tokyo Marathon by offering exclusive benefits and unique opportunities to Mastercard cardholders worldwide. From multi-lingual runner support to baggage storage fee cashback for those who pay with a Mastercard card, the payments technology company aims to bring exclusive offers to runners as well as the family, friends and spectators who support them. In addition, Mastercard will create unique experiences for runners and supporters under the umbrella theme, ‘The Day We Unite.’, which celebrates both the joy of running as well as the pride and excitement of cheering on the participants.
Tadaaki Hayano, Chairman/CEO, Tokyo Marathon Foundation said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mastercard on board as our official payment partner and a global marketing partner. Together we will build on our three objectives of creating the world’s safest and secured, most exciting, warmest and friendliest event, here in Tokyo, the world’s greatest city. Furthermore, through various initiatives of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, we will continue to work diligently with the motto “Change the future, through the joy of running.”
“Mastercard is always on the lookout for new ways to delight our customers and cardholders by connecting them to their passions. With the global surge in marathon participation, we are excited to partner with Tokyo Marathon Foundation to magnify the benefits of running – its accessibility, simplicity, health and social perks – to an even wider audience,” said Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “Through this strategic partnership, Mastercard’s issuer and merchant partners worldwide will be able to generate additional value and priceless opportunities for their cardholders and customers, driving business growth for the ecosystem while strengthening community connections. We look forward to hitting the ground running together!”
Mastercard proudly sponsors some of the world’s most exciting properties in sports and entertainment. Through pre-sale ticketing, hospitality event packages, exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with top artists and athletes, unique getaway trips and more, Mastercard’s sponsorship-led Priceless platform is designed to connect the company’s customers and cardholders to priceless possibilities.