- Goliath Marathon: A high-endurance race requiring top-tier speed and consistency.
- Car Requirements: Best suited for Tier S cars with high top speed and stable handling.
- Primary Reward: Offers one of the highest Yen payouts in the game for victory.
- Key Strategy: Focus on highway stability and minimizing crash recovery time.
- Progression: Use shorter highway races to grind for the required vehicle.
Goliath Marathon Overview
The Goliath Marathon in Midnight Racing Tokyo represents one of the ultimate tests of endurance and speed. Unlike sprint races or technical touge runs, this event focuses on maintaining high velocities over long distances, primarily on the expressway networks. Success here depends less on raw acceleration and more on sustained top speed, aerodynamic stability, and the driver's ability to navigate traffic without totaling their vehicle.
Video Highlights:
- Visual guide of the full marathon route.
- Comparison of high-speed stability between AWD and RWD cars.
- Tips for managing tire wear and fuel during long sessions.
This race is typically recommended for players who have fully upgraded their first high-performance vehicle and are looking to break into the upper echelon of the game's economy. The payout is designed to accelerate progression toward the most expensive cars in the dealership.
Ensure your vehicle is fully repaired and tuned before entering. The Goliath Marathon is unforgiving; a single major crash in the final sector can cost you the race and the reward.
Best Cars for the Marathon
Choosing the right vehicle is critical. While you can technically finish the marathon in a lower-tier car, the AI opponents in this event use high-performance machines that will gap you instantly if your top speed is lacking.
| Car Tier | Recommended Models | Drivetrain | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier S | Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 | AWD | Launch control, stability, consistent cornering |
| Tier S | Toyota Supra A80 | RWD | High top speed, highway power, tunable gearing |
| Tier A | Mazda RX-7 FD | RWD | Lightweight, agile, good for technical sections |
| Tier A | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | AWD | Forgiving handling, great for traffic avoidance |
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
- AWD Grip: Superior launch and corner exit speed.
- Stability: Easy to control at 150+ mph.
- Verdict: The safest choice for consistency.
Toyota Supra A80
- High Speed: Best top-end potential in class.
- Tuning: Highly customizable for highway runs.
- Verdict: Best for experienced drivers chasing raw time.
Mazda RX-7 FD
- Agility: Excellent for weaving through traffic.
- Balance: Good mix of speed and handling.
- Verdict: A strong alternative if RWD is preferred.
If you are struggling with the Goliath Marathon, switch to an AWD car like the Skyline R34. The extra traction helps recover from minor bumps without losing as much speed as an RWD counterpart.
Optimal Tuning Setup
Standard street tunes often fail in the Goliath Marathon because they prioritize acceleration over top speed. You need a setup specifically geared for the highway.
Suspension & Aero:
- Ride Height: Lower the car slightly to reduce drag, but not so much that it scrapes on bumps.
- Aero: Maximize downforce to keep the car planted at high speeds.
- Suspension: Stiffen the springs to prevent body roll during high-speed lane changes.
Transmission (Crucial):
- Final Drive: Adjust the final drive ratio to allow for a higher top speed. You want to hit the redline in your highest gear just as you reach the longest straight on the map.
- Gear Ratios: Lengthen the taller gears (5th and 6th) to prevent the engine from over-revving, ensuring smooth power delivery across the expressway.
| Tuning Aspect | Highway Setup | Street Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Final Drive | Longer (High Top Speed) | Shorter (Quick Acceleration) |
| Suspension | Stiff & Low | Moderate & Balanced |
| Downforce | High (Stability) | Medium (Grip vs Drag) |
| Tires | Sport / Semi-Slick | Street / Sport |
Route Strategy & Execution
The Goliath Marathon route is a point-to-point sprint that utilizes the Tokyo Highway system, winding through city outskirts, and potentially sections of the Otsuki or Ichikawa expressways depending on the specific rotation.
Key Route Sections:
- The Start: Usually involves a city section. Do not panic if you are behind early; the long straights ahead offer plenty of overtaking opportunities.
- The Expressway: This is where the race is won. Maintain your line, avoid sudden steering inputs, and draft behind opponents when possible to save fuel/boost (if applicable).
- The Final Sector: Often the most technical part near the finish line. One mistake here negates 10 minutes of perfect driving.
The Launch
Use a controlled launch. Spinning the tires puts you at an immediate disadvantage. For AWD cars, mash the throttle; for RWD, feather the gas until you hook up.
Traffic Management
Traffic is your biggest enemy. Slow down slightly for heavy traffic rather than risking a t-bone collision. A clean race is always faster than a crashed fast one.
Corner Speed
Carry speed through corners. "Slow in, fast out" applies, but in this marathon, maintaining momentum is key. Avoid scrubbing off speed unnecessarily.
The Finish
In the final kilometers, ignore the position display and focus on the road. A desperate last-second overtake often ends in a wall clip.
Rewards and Progression
Completing the Goliath Marathon is a significant milestone. It serves as a bridge between mid-game grinding and late-game car collection.
Rewards Breakdown:
- 1st Place: Massive Yen payout (often sufficient for a Tier 3 car or major upgrades).
- 2nd - 3rd Place: Moderate Yen (Good for tuning parts).
- Completion: Unlocks access to higher-tier marathon events.
If you find the Goliath Marathon too difficult, grind the Highway Sprint events. These shorter races use similar cars and routes, allowing you to practice and earn money for upgrades simultaneously.
Pre-Marathon Checklist:
- Vehicle fully repaired (100% condition)
- Tires upgraded to Sport or higher
- Transmission tuned for top speed
- Test run on the highway to check stability
- Enter with at least 1 lap of fuel (if mechanics apply)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What car is best for the Goliath Marathon?
The **Nissan Skyline GT-R R34** is widely considered the best all-rounder due to its AWD stability and strong acceleration. However, the **Toyota Supra A80** is a top contender if you prefer RWD and high top speed.
Q: How do I unlock the Goliath Marathon?
You typically unlock this event by reaching a specific level (often Level 20+) and completing previous highway and sprint races. Check your 'Races' menu in-game for the specific requirements.
Q: Is tuning necessary for this race?
Yes, stock cars will struggle against tuned opponents. At a minimum, you should upgrade your **ECU**, **Transmission**, and **Tires** to compete effectively.
Q: Can I use a FWD car?
While possible, FWD cars are generally not recommended for high-speed marathons due to torque steer and inferior high-speed stability compared to AWD or RWD platforms.