Overview
The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is one of Japan's oldest marathons, drawing approximately 3,130 finishers each February between the hot-spring cities of Beppu and Oita. The point-to-point course follows the Kunisaki Peninsula coast with views of Beppu Bay and the steam vents of Japan's most famous onsen town. February's mild Kyushu winter makes it a classic Japanese road race with deep tradition.
Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon 2027 race day
The next Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 February 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon course route
The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts in Beppu and finishes in Oita city centre. The point-to-point route follows the Beppu Bay coastline and Kunisaki Peninsula roads between the two Kyushu cities. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon elevation profile
The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon uses a lottery when entries exceed capacity, with applications accepted through the official website and RUNNET during a window that usually opens in May or June for the early-February race. General-field places are limited to roughly 3,000 runners, and demand from Japanese club runners makes acceptance uncertain. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
[Strolling around Beppu Extra Edition] Walking along the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon course BEPPU
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon elevation profile?
- The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon?
- The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course from Beppu to Oita city centre.
- What time does the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon start?
- The 2027 Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.betsudai.com/mainichi/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon start and finish?
- The race starts in Beppu, Japan's most famous hot-spring town, and finishes in Oita city. It is a point-to-point coastal course along Beppu Bay.
- When is the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon?
- The race is held on the first Sunday of February. It is one of Japan's longest-running marathons, organised by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper.
- Can I visit Beppu hot springs after the race?
- Absolutely. Beppu's famous jigoku (hell) hot springs and sand baths are a quintessential post-marathon recovery experience. The town has more onsen than almost anywhere in Japan.
- Is the Beppu-Oita marathon hilly?
- The coastal point-to-point has rolling terrain with moderate climbs along the Kunisaki Peninsula headlands. It is not flat but not mountainous.
- What weather should I expect in Beppu in February?
- February in Beppu is mild Kyushu winter weather, often 8–14 °C (46–57 °F). Steam from the hot springs is visible along parts of the course.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Beppu.
Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan· 91 km away
Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon
The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers each November on a harbor road in Shimonoseki, Japan. The narrow strait setting gives the race a dramatic maritime character from start to finish. The course passes Kanmon Strait waterfronts, fishing-port districts, and repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu. Kanmon Strait waterfronts and fishing-port districts rise and fall beside repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu across the narrow channel.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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