What is AIMS?

AIMS (The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)

AIMS (The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), is an association whose members are the organizers of over 470 international long-distance races held in more than 120 countries and regions.

It was founded in 1982 starting with 28 members with the objective of exchanging and sharing information and knowledge as well as expanding marathon/long distance road races around the world.

Since then, AIMS has established course measurement standards, provided world record certifications, and together with the WA (World Athletics Federation) has developed the standards required to certify world records for marathons/road races. Currently, AIMS and the WA continues to jointly certify world records for marathons/long distance road races.

In Japan, there are 23 races that are official members of AIMS including the Osaka Marathon, Osaka Women’s Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Hokkaido Marathon, and the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.

What is the AIMS World Congress?

The 23rd World Congress of AIMS in Osaka 2023

The World Congress of AIMS takes place on average every 2 years at the location and date of the race hosting the Congress. The organizers of the member races have used this time and venue to get together to exchange and share information and knowledge about marathon/long distance road races which is the main purpose of AIMS.

Taking place over approximately 3 days, the World Congress of AIMS includes presentations with themes around the evolution and development of marathon/long distance road races, reports from the Board of Directors, as well as the AIMS Award ceremony. The candidate to host the World Congress is decided upon by election.

In 2020, the 23rd World Congress of AIMS that was to be held in Batumi, Georgia was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and a decision was made by the Board of Directors in 2021 to hold the next 23rd World Congress during the Osaka Marathon in February 2023.

This World Congress of AIMS in Osaka in February 2023 will be the most recent Congress to be held since the last one held in September 2018 in Tallinn, Estonia.

AIMS members and race organizers from among 470 international long-distance races held in more than 120 countries and regions will be meeting at the Osaka Marathon in February 2023.