Next race
Sunday, 15 November 2026
10:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Seaside road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Hitachi Seaside Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a seaside road in Hitachi, Japan. It quickly became known for combining ocean scenery with a more demanding profile than flatter Japanese city races. The course passes Pacific Ocean lookouts, port roads, and urban climbs characteristic of the city's hillside coastline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Hitachi Seaside Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Hitachi Seaside Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes near Hitachi's waterfront event area. The course passes Pacific Ocean lookouts, port roads, and urban climbs characteristic of the city's hillside coastline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Hitachi Seaside Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 51 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
Hitachi Seaside Marathon entry requirements
The Hitachi Seaside Marathon uses a lottery system through hitachi-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in June for the November race. The capped field attracts steady domestic demand and lottery acceptance is not guaranteed. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Getting there
Hitachi Seaside Marathon travel
Airports closest to Hitachi for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Omitama (IBR)
Ibaraki Airport
51 km / 32 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Hitachi Seaside Marathon elevation profile?
- The Hitachi Seaside 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 Hitachi Seaside Marathon?
- The Hitachi Seaside Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Seaside road starts and finishes near Hitachi's waterfront event area.
- What time does the Hitachi Seaside Marathon start?
- The 2026 Hitachi Seaside Marathon starts at 10:00 am local time on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Hitachi Seaside Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes near Hitachi's waterfront event area. Updated each year.
- When is the Hitachi Seaside Marathon and how do I register?
- Hitachi Seaside Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Hitachi Seaside Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Hitachi Seaside Marathon pass?
- The course passes Pacific Ocean lookouts, port roads, and urban climbs characteristic of the city's hillside coastline.
- What weather should runners expect at Hitachi Seaside Marathon?
- Typically cool with fresh sea air and occasional coastal wind.
Official resources
Hitachi Seaside 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 Hitachi.
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.