Fukui Sakura Marathon

FukuiFukuiJapan

Next race

Sunday, 7 March 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Fukui Sakura Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each March on an urban road in Fukui, Japan. The event was launched to showcase Fukui during cherry-blossom time and immediately drew a large field. The course passes castle ruins, river sections, and streets that line up with the city's sakura season. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 12k finishers

Weather: Cool and humid spring
4–8°C · humidity 65–80%
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Course & terrain

Fukui Sakura Marathon course

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

Starts and finishes in central Fukui. The course passes castle ruins, river sections, and streets that line up with the city's sakura season. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Fukui Sakura Marathon entry requirements

The Fukui Sakura Marathon uses a lottery system through www.fukui-sakura-marathon.jp/ and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in September for the March race. The field of roughly 12k 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 Fukui Sakura Marathon elevation profile?: The Fukui Sakura 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 Fukui Sakura Marathon?: The Fukui Sakura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in central Fukui.
What time does the Fukui Sakura Marathon start?: The 2027 Fukui Sakura Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Fukui Sakura Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes in central Fukui. Updated each year.
When is the Fukui Sakura Marathon and how do I register?: Fukui Sakura Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Fukui Sakura Marathon course flat?: Yes. Fukui Sakura Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Fukui Sakura Marathon pass?: The course passes castle ruins, river sections, and streets that line up with the city's sakura season.
What weather should runners expect at Fukui Sakura Marathon?: Typically cool with possible blossom-season breezes and bright spring weather.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

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KyotoKyotoJapan· 124 km away

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FukuchiyamaKyotoJapan· 131 km away

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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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Fukui Sakura Marathon

Overview

Fukui Sakura Marathon course

Fukui Sakura Marathon entry requirements

Fukui Sakura Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Fukui Sakura Marathon links

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