Tokyo marathon is now 6th world major

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NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The Tokyo Marathon has become the world's sixth major marathon, joining those in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York, officials said.

Directors of the marathons, meeting Friday in New York in advance of the city's race, said the Tokyo event is joining the majors after becoming one of the largest and most lucrative races in the world, The New York Times reported Friday.

"Since we started the Tokyo Marathon, we wanted to be a World Marathon Major someday because everyone recognized that it's the top brand in the running world," said Tad Hayano, the race director of the Tokyo competition. "Our advantage is we will get to promote the Tokyo Marathon to the world."

The Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for Feb. 24, is one of three, with Boston and London, that are run early in the year. The remaining three marathons take place in the fall.