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. Snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and Northern Alps backdrops frame a course famous for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations each May.
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon 2027 race day
The next Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon course route
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.
Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon elevation profile
The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
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.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 on www.kurobe-taikyo.jp/road/ 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 course maps are published at https://www.kurobe-taikyo.jp/road/ 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 through https://www.kurobe-taikyo.jp/road/ and 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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