Overview
The Fukuoka Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each November on an urban to coastal road in Fukuoka, Japan. It is Fukuoka's large citizen marathon and should not be confused with the separate elite international race. The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish. Tenjin, seaside roads, and long Hakata Bay views carry Fukuoka's large citizen marathon toward a coastal finish on a largely level urban-to-sea route.
Fukuoka Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Fukuoka Marathon 2026 race day
The next Fukuoka Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 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.
Fukuoka Marathon course route
Starts in central Fukuoka and finishes on the Itoshima side of the bay route. The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Fukuoka Marathon elevation profile
The Fukuoka 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 Fukuoka Marathon uses a lottery system through f-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in May for the November 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 Fukuoka Marathon elevation profile?
- The Fukuoka 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 Fukuoka Marathon?
- The Fukuoka Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban to coastal road starting in central Fukuoka and finishes on the Itoshima side of the bay route.
- What time does the Fukuoka Marathon start?
- The 2026 Fukuoka Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.f-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Fukuoka Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in central Fukuoka and finishes on the Itoshima side of the bay route. Updated course maps are published at https://www.f-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Fukuoka Marathon and how do I register?
- Fukuoka Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://www.f-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Fukuoka Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Fukuoka Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Fukuoka Marathon pass?
- The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish.
- What weather should runners expect at Fukuoka Marathon?
- Typically cool with sea breeze and excellent late-autumn racing conditions.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Fukuoka.
Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan· 62 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. Kanmon Strait waterfronts and fishing-port districts rise and fall beside repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu across the narrow channel.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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