Japan's runners who earn spots for the Summer Olympics will gain significant experience running on a nearly identical course during the trial for the 2020 Tokyo Games on home soil.
The Japan Association of Athletics Federations revealed the date and course for the inaugural Marathon Grand Championship on Friday.
The MGC race will be held on Sept. 15, 2019. According to the JAAF, the start time will likely be around 9 a.m., although it is not official yet.