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. Pacific Ocean lookouts and port roads climb along Hitachi's hillside coastline, giving the seaside course a more demanding profile than flatter Japanese city races.
Hitachi Seaside Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Hitachi Seaside Marathon 2026 race day
The next Hitachi Seaside 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 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Hitachi Seaside Marathon course route
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. Hillside coastal sections bite in the second half, while seaside spectators cheer at the Pacific overlook aid stations.
Hitachi Seaside Marathon elevation profile
The Hitachi Seaside Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs 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.
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.
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 moderate climbs, 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 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on hitachi-marathon.jp/ 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 course maps are published at https://hitachi-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Hitachi Seaside Marathon and how do I register?
- Hitachi Seaside Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://hitachi-marathon.jp/ and 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 https://hitachi-marathon.jp/ 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Hitachi.
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