Kagoshima Marathon

KagoshimaKagoshimaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 7 March 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic bay road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Kagoshima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a scenic bay road in Kagoshima, Japan. Running with the active volcano Sakurajima in sight makes the course instantly recognizable. The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Kagoshima Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 10k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid spring
9–13°C · humidity 65–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Kagoshima Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts in downtown Kagoshima and finishes along the waterfront. The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Kagoshima Marathon entry requirements

The Kagoshima Marathon uses a lottery system through kagoshima-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in September for the March 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.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kagoshima Marathon elevation profile?: The Kagoshima 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 Kagoshima Marathon?: The Kagoshima Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Scenic bay road starting in downtown Kagoshima and finishes along the waterfront.
What time does the Kagoshima Marathon start?: The 2027 Kagoshima Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Kagoshima Marathon start and finish?: Starts in downtown Kagoshima and finishes along the waterfront. Updated each year.
When is the Kagoshima Marathon and how do I register?: Kagoshima Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Kagoshima Marathon course flat?: Yes. Kagoshima Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Kagoshima Marathon pass?: The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city.
What weather should runners expect at Kagoshima Marathon?: Typically mild with some humidity, light coastal wind, and comfortable spring temperatures.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Kagoshima.

IbusukiKagoshimaJapan· 38 km away

Ibusuki Marathon

The Ibusuki Marathon in southern Kyushu attracts about 14,000 runners each January to a course along Kagoshima Bay with views of Sakurajima volcano. Ibusuki is famous for its natural hot-sand baths, and the marathon showcases the subtropical Satsuma Peninsula coastline. Warm winter temperatures and volcanic backdrop make it one of Japan's most distinctive regional marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027

MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan· 91 km away

Aoshima Pacific Marathon

The Aoshima Pacific Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Miyazaki, Japan. Its warm southern-Japan setting makes it a popular contrast to colder mainland December races. The route passes palm-lined boulevards, Aoshima approaches, and broad roads under a subtropical coastal sky. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

KumamotoKumamotoJapan· 138 km away

Kumamoto Castle Marathon

The Kumamoto Castle Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February through the Kyushu city rebuilding its iconic fortress after the 2016 earthquakes. The course passes the restored Kumamoto Castle, the Tsuboi River, and the Suizenji Garden district on flat Kyushu terrain. February's mild Kyushu winter and the castle's resilience story make it a deeply symbolic Japanese regional marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

SagaSagaJapan· 187 km away

Saga Sakura Marathon

The Saga Sakura Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each March on an urban and rural road in Saga, Japan. The combination of pancake-flat terrain and blossom timing defines the event's character. The course passes flat farm-country roads, creek networks, and cherry-tree sections around the city outskirts. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

BeppuOitaJapan· 210 km away

Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon

The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is one of Japan's oldest marathons, drawing approximately 3,130 finishers each February between the hot-spring cities of Beppu and Oita. The point-to-point course follows the Kunisaki Peninsula coast with views of Beppu Bay and the steam vents of Japan's most famous onsen town. February's mild Kyushu winter makes it a classic Japanese road race with deep tradition.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

FukuokaFukuokaJapan· 226 km away

Fukuoka Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

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Planning guides

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Kagoshima Marathon

Overview

Kagoshima Marathon course

Kagoshima Marathon entry requirements

Kagoshima Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Kagoshima Marathon links

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