Next race
Sunday, 8 November 2026
8:20 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban to coastal road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Fukuoka 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
Fukuoka Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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.
The Fukuoka 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. 3 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Fukuoka Marathon 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.
Getting there
Fukuoka Marathon travel
Airports closest to Fukuoka for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
4 km / 2 mi
Common questions
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 rolling, 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 8:20 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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 each year.
- When is the Fukuoka Marathon and how do I register?
- Fukuoka Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens 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.
Official resources
Fukuoka 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 Fukuoka.
ShimonosekiYamaguchiJapan· 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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.