Overview
The Aomori Sakura Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each April through northern Japan's cherry-blossom capital. The course passes Hirosaki Castle's cherry-blossom tunnels, the Aomori Bay Bridge, and the Hakkoda mountain foothills on flat Tsugaru plain roads. April's peak sakura season in Tohoku makes it one of Japan's most seasonally beautiful marathons.
Aomori Sakura Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Aomori Sakura Marathon 2027 race day
The next Aomori Sakura Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Aomori Sakura Marathon course route
The Aomori Sakura Marathon is a historic urban road that starts and finishes in central Aomori or the Aomori Bay Bridge area. The loop passes the Aomori Bay Bridge, the Nebuta Warasse museum district, and approaches Hirosaki Castle cherry-blossom avenues. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.
Aomori Sakura Marathon elevation profile
The Aomori Sakura Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Aomori Sakura Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday during peak blossom season. Registration is at https://aomori-sakuramarathon.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Aomori Sakura Marathon elevation profile?
- The Aomori Sakura Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Aomori Sakura Marathon?
- The Aomori Sakura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing in central Aomori or the Aomori Bay Bridge area.
- What time does the Aomori Sakura Marathon start?
- The 2027 Aomori Sakura Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on aomori-sakuramarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Why is it called the Sakura Marathon?
- The race is timed for Aomori's cherry-blossom (sakura) season, with Hirosaki Castle's 2,600 cherry trees among Japan's most famous blossom-viewing sites.
- When is the Aomori Sakura Marathon?
- The Aomori Sakura Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday during peak blossom season. Registration is at https://aomori-sakuramarathon.com/.
- Is the Aomori marathon flat?
- Yes. The Tsugaru plain course is flat, though the Hakkoda mountains are visible to the south.
- Does the Aomori marathon pass Hirosaki Castle?
- The course approaches Hirosaki Castle's famous cherry-blossom tunnels, one of the most scenic sections of the route in northern Japan.
- What weather should I expect in Aomori in April?
- April in Aomori is cool spring weather, often 6–14 °C (43–57 °F). Blossoms peak in late April — timing varies with the spring thaw.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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