Kanazawa Marathon

KanazawaIshikawaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 25 October 2026

8:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Kanazawa Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each October on a historic urban road in Kanazawa, Japan. The race is especially known for blending modern boulevards with preserved samurai-era city scenery. The course passes Kenrokuen approaches, Kanazawa Castle Park, and traditional districts near the Asano and Sai rivers. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 14k finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
18–21°C · humidity 75–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Kanazawa Marathon course

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

Starts in central Kanazawa and finishes at the western city sports complex. The course passes Kenrokuen approaches, Kanazawa Castle Park, and traditional districts near the Asano and Sai rivers. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Registration

Kanazawa Marathon entry requirements

The Kanazawa Marathon uses a lottery system through kanazawa-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in April for the October race. The field of roughly 14k 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 Kanazawa Marathon elevation profile?: The Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Marathon?: The Kanazawa Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course from central Kanazawa to the western city sports complex.
What time does the Kanazawa Marathon start?: The 2026 Kanazawa Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Kanazawa Marathon start and finish?: Starts in central Kanazawa and finishes at the western city sports complex. Updated each year.
When is the Kanazawa Marathon and how do I register?: Kanazawa Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Kanazawa Marathon course flat?: The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Kanazawa Marathon pass?: The course passes Kenrokuen approaches, Kanazawa Castle Park, and traditional districts near the Asano and Sai rivers.
What weather should runners expect at Kanazawa Marathon?: Typically cool with light coastal humidity and comfortable fall temperatures.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Kanazawa.

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Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

FukuiFukuiJapan· 69 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

KurobeToyamaJapan· 81 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

OmachiNaganoJapan· 112 km away

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The Omachi Alps Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October on a mountain basin road in Omachi, Japan. Snow-capped mountain backdrops are the race's defining visual feature on clear days. The course passes agricultural basin roads, spring-water areas, and constant views of the Northern Alps. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

NaganoNaganoJapan· 140 km away

Nagano Marathon

The Nagano Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on an urban and plain road in Nagano, Japan. Its Olympic-city backdrop still shapes the event's image years after the 1998 Games. The route passes Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the basin. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

NagoyaAichiJapan· 160 km away

Nagoya Women's Marathon

The Nagoya Women's Marathon is the world's largest women-only marathon, with nearly 20,000 female finishers each March. Every finisher receives a Tiffany & Co. pendant at the finish — a tradition that has made Nagoya a bucket-list race for women worldwide. The flat urban course runs through central Nagoya past Nagoya Castle and the Sakae district, and the race weekend atmosphere centres entirely on celebrating women's running.

Next race: Sunday, 14 March 2027

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Planning guides

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Kanazawa Marathon

Overview

Kanazawa Marathon course

Kanazawa Marathon entry requirements

Kanazawa Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Kanazawa Marathon links

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