
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. Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined boulevards keep the active volcano in sight across a scenic southern-port course with subtle rises.
Kagoshima Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Kagoshima Marathon 2027 race day
The next Kagoshima Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 March 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Kagoshima Marathon course route
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.
Kagoshima Marathon elevation profile
The Kagoshima Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
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.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 on www.kagoshima-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Kagoshima Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in downtown Kagoshima and finishes along the waterfront. Updated course maps are published at https://www.kagoshima-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Kagoshima Marathon and how do I register?
- Kagoshima Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens through https://www.kagoshima-marathon.jp/ and 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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Kagoshima.



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