What is the Biwako Marathon elevation profile?

The Biwako 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 Biwako Marathon?

The Biwako Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside scenic road starting and finishing in Otsu near Lake Biwa.

What time does the Biwako Marathon start?

The 2027 Biwako Marathon starts at 9:15 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.biwako-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake, occupying most of Shiga Prefecture east of Kyoto. The marathon follows its shores through Otsu, the prefectural capital.

When is the Biwako Marathon?

The Biwako Marathon is held on the first Sunday of March. Registration is through https://www.biwako-marathon.com/ and is competitive due to the race's long history.

Is the Biwako Marathon flat?

Yes. The lakeside course is one of Japan's flatter established marathons, popular with runners targeting fast times before Tokyo.

What weather should I expect at the Biwako Marathon in March?

Early March around Lake Biwa is cool, often 4–10 °C (39–50 °F). Lake breezes can make it feel colder — dress warmly for the start.

Biwako Marathon

Otsu, Shiga, Japan

Overview

The Biwako Marathon is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious marathons, drawing approximately 5,367 finishers each March around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The course follows Japan's largest lake with views of the Hira mountains and the Otsu waterfront. March's cool Kansai spring and flat lakeside paths make it a favourite tune-up before the Tokyo Marathon.

Biwako Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Biwako Marathon 2027 race day

The next Biwako Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 March 2027 with a 9:15 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.

Biwako Marathon course route

The Biwako Marathon is a lakeside scenic road that starts and finishes in Otsu near Lake Biwa. The loop follows the Biwako lakeside road past the Otsu port, Ishiyama-dera temple area, and the Hama-Ōtsu waterfront. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.

Biwako Marathon elevation profile

The Biwako 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

For the Biwako Marathon, otsu is just 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR train. Many runners stay in Kyoto and travel to Otsu on race morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Biwako Marathon elevation profile?: The Biwako 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 Biwako Marathon?: The Biwako Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside scenic road starting and finishing in Otsu near Lake Biwa.
What time does the Biwako Marathon start?: The 2027 Biwako Marathon starts at 9:15 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.biwako-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is Lake Biwa?: Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake, occupying most of Shiga Prefecture east of Kyoto. The marathon follows its shores through Otsu, the prefectural capital.
When is the Biwako Marathon?: The Biwako Marathon is held on the first Sunday of March. Registration is through https://www.biwako-marathon.com/ and is competitive due to the race's long history.
Is the Biwako Marathon flat?: Yes. The lakeside course is one of Japan's flatter established marathons, popular with runners targeting fast times before Tokyo.
How do I get to the Biwako Marathon from Kyoto?: Otsu is just 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR train. Many runners stay in Kyoto and travel to Otsu on race morning.
What weather should I expect at the Biwako Marathon in March?: Early March around Lake Biwa is cool, often 4–10 °C (39–50 °F). Lake breezes can make it feel colder — dress warmly for the start.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Otsu.

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan· 11 km away

Kyoto Marathon

The Kyoto Marathon brings roughly 17,000 runners through Japan's ancient capital each February. The course links UNESCO-listed temples, the Kamo River, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace with views of forested hills on the city's eastern edge. Kyoto's cultural landmarks and spring-adjacent race date make it one of Japan's most scenic urban marathons despite a largely flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 21 February 2027

Nara, Japan· 35 km away

Nara Marathon

The Nara Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road through Japan's ancient capital. The route passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of wooded hills above the old city. Modest climbs through the middle miles reward runners with shifting views of shrines, deer-filled parkland, and Nara's rolling skyline.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Osaka, Osaka, Japan· 48 km away

Osaka Marathon

The Osaka Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 32k finishers on an urban road in Osaka, Japan. The course starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. The route passes Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Umeda, and Namba through central Osaka. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on bridge approaches over the city's rivers.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan· 71 km away

Kobe Marathon

The Kobe Marathon draws around 18,000 runners each November on a course that celebrates the port city's recovery and waterfront identity. The route crosses the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge area and follows Kobe's harbourfront with views of the Rokko mountains and Osaka Bay. Kobe's mild autumn climate and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of western Japan's most popular marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Japan· 76 km away

Fukuchiyama Marathon

The Fukuchiyama Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a river city road in Fukuchiyama, Japan. The marathon has one of the deeper traditions among Japan's regional citizen races. The route passes castle-town streets, the Yura River corridor, and broad roads through northern Kyoto Prefecture. Castle-town streets and the Yura River corridor carry one of Japan's deeper regional traditions through northern Kyoto Prefecture on broad, mostly level roads.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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