What Is MGC? How Japan Decides Its Olympic Marathon Team

After races such as the Tokyo Marathon, the phrase “earned MGC qualification” has become more common.

You may hear it often in the news, but many people are probably wondering: “What is MGC?” and “How does a runner make the Olympic team?”

In fact, Japan’s marathon team is decided through a unique selection process known as the “MGC system.”

In this article, we will explain what MGC is and how Japan’s Olympic marathon team is decided in a way that is easy for beginners in track and field to understand.

What is MGC?

MGC (Marathon Grand Championship) is the final selection race used to decide Japan’s Olympic marathon representatives.

Only athletes who clear certain standards at designated marathons can enter, and
two of Japan’s three Olympic spots are decided in this race.

In other words, the MGC is a “winner-take-all showdown race” for Olympic selection.

[Illustrated Guide] How Japan’s Olympic marathon team is decided

What does MGC qualification mean?

To compete in the MGC, a runner must clear a required placing or time standard in one of the designated marathons.

In races such as the Tokyo Marathon, runners can earn MGC qualification by finishing among the top Japanese competitors.

When you hear “earned MGC qualification” in the news, it means that the athlete has secured a ticket to the Olympic marathon selection race.

[Tokyo Marathon] Men’s runners who earned MGC qualification

*Since Suguru Osako had already secured MGC eligibility, five new runners earned qualification this time.

Summary

The MGC is the final selection race that determines Japan’s Olympic marathon representatives.

In future marathons, paying attention to the keyword “MGC qualification” will make watching the race even more interesting.