Ehime Marathon

MatsuyamaEhimeJapan

Next race

Sunday, 7 February 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Ehime Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each February on an urban road in Matsuyama, Japan. Strong local support has made it one of Japan's most beloved regional marathons. The route passes Matsuyama Castle viewpoints, tram-lined streets, and residential roads in Shikoku's largest city. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 10k finishers

Weather: Cool winter
5–8°C · humidity 60–75%
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Course & terrain

Ehime Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes in central Matsuyama. The route passes Matsuyama Castle viewpoints, tram-lined streets, and residential roads in Shikoku's largest city. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Registration

Ehime Marathon entry requirements

The Ehime Marathon uses a lottery system through ehimemarathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in August for the February 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.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ehime Marathon elevation profile?: The Ehime Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Ehime Marathon?: The Ehime Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in central Matsuyama.
What time does the Ehime Marathon start?: The 2027 Ehime Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Ehime Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes in central Matsuyama. Updated each year.
When is the Ehime Marathon and how do I register?: Ehime Marathon is typically held in February. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Ehime Marathon course flat?: The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Ehime Marathon pass?: The route passes Matsuyama Castle viewpoints, tram-lined streets, and residential roads in Shikoku's largest city.
What weather should runners expect at Ehime Marathon?: Usually cool to mild with relatively gentle winter weather by Japanese standards.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Matsuyama.

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The Kochi Ryoma Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each February on a scenic coastal road in Kochi, Japan. The Ryoma branding gives the marathon a strong local-hero identity unique in Japan. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

HofuYamaguchiJapan· 113 km away

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The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each December on an urban road in Hofu, Japan. It has long been respected in Japan as a serious late-year performance marathon. The route passes wide Yamaguchi plain roads, shrine-town approaches, and efficient straight sections designed for speed. The course is very flat throughout.

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BeppuOitaJapan· 133 km away

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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.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

OkayamaOkayamaJapan· 140 km away

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The Okayama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each November on an urban road in Okayama, Japan. Its rapid growth turned it into western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon. The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

TokushimaTokushimaJapan· 168 km away

Tokushima Marathon

The Tokushima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a river road in Tokushima, Japan. Its levee-road profile makes it one of Japan's steadier pacing courses. The course passes Shinmachi River areas, wide embankment roads, and open views toward the surrounding low mountains. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

ShimonosekiYamaguchiJapan· 169 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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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Ehime Marathon

Overview

Ehime Marathon course

Ehime Marathon entry requirements

Ehime Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Ehime Marathon links

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