Overview
The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each December on an urban road in Hofu, Japan. It has long been respected in Japan as a serious late-year performance marathon. The route passes wide Yamaguchi plain roads, shrine-town approaches, and efficient straight sections designed for speed. The course is very flat throughout.
Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Hofu Yomiuri Marathon 2026 race day
The next Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Hofu Yomiuri Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Hofu's central race district. The route passes wide Yamaguchi plain roads, shrine-town approaches, and efficient straight sections designed for speed. The Yamaguchi plain layout suits aggressive pacing, with shrine-town locals cheering along the straightaways.
Hofu Yomiuri Marathon elevation profile
The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon uses a lottery system through hofu-yomiuri.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in July for the December 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 Hofu Yomiuri Marathon elevation profile?
- The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon?
- The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Hofu's central race district.
- What time does the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon start?
- The 2026 Hofu Yomiuri Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on hofu-yomiuri.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Hofu's central race district. Updated course maps are published at https://hofu-yomiuri.jp/ each year.
- When is the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon and how do I register?
- Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://hofu-yomiuri.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon pass?
- The route passes wide Yamaguchi plain roads, shrine-town approaches, and efficient straight sections designed for speed.
- What weather should runners expect at Hofu Yomiuri Marathon?
- Usually cold and dry with stable winter conditions suited to fast running.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
