Next race
Sunday, 2 May 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal and rural road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on a scenic coastal and rural road in Kurobe, Japan. Named for Jimmy Carter, it is famous in Japan for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations. The route passes snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and roads backed by the Northern Alps. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 10k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes in Kurobe near the city sports center. The route passes snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and roads backed by the Northern Alps. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 15 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon entry requirements
The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon uses a lottery system through kurobe-taikyo.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in November for the May race. The field of roughly 10k runners is capped and domestic demand through RUNNET makes lottery acceptance uncertain. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Getting there
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon travel
Airports closest to Kurobe for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Toyama (TOY)
Toyama Kitokito Airport
37 km / 23 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon elevation profile?
- The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon?
- The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Scenic coastal and rural road starting and finishing in Kurobe near the city sports center.
- What time does the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon start?
- The 2027 Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Kurobe near the city sports center. Updated each year.
- When is the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon and how do I register?
- Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon pass?
- Runners see Toyama Bay, rivers fed by alpine snowmelt, and long views toward the Northern Alps.
- What weather should runners expect at Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon?
- Usually mild with fresh mountain-and-sea air, cool early temperatures, and modest humidity.
Official resources
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Kurobe.
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
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Marathon Weather: What to Expect
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