What is the Kasumigaura Marathon elevation profile?

The Kasumigaura 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 Kasumigaura Marathon?

The Kasumigaura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside rural road starting and finishing in the Tsuchiura lakeside area on Kasumigaura's western shore.

What time does the Kasumigaura Marathon start?

The 2027 Kasumigaura Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is Lake Kasumigaura?

Kasumigaura is Japan's second-largest lake, a broad freshwater basin in Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo. The marathon follows its western and northern shores.

Is the Kasumigaura Marathon flat?

Yes. The lakeside roads are among the flattest marathon courses in Japan, with negligible elevation change around the reservoir.

Where does the Kasumigaura Marathon start?

The start and finish are in the Tsuchiura area on Kasumigaura's shore, accessible via JR Joban Line from Tokyo.

What weather should I expect in April at Kasumigaura?

April mornings are mild, typically 10–16 °C (50–61 °F), with possible breezes off the lake. Rain is possible during Japan's spring rainy season approach.

Kasumigaura Marathon

Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan

Overview

The Kasumigaura Marathon near Tsuchiura attracts about 12,000 runners each April around Japan's second-largest lake, Kasumigaura. The flat rural course follows the lakeshore through Ibaraki Prefecture with views of the wide freshwater basin and countryside. April cherry-blossom season and the lake's open horizons make it a popular spring marathon in the Kanto plain.

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

Kasumigaura Marathon 2027 race day

The next Kasumigaura Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 18 April 2027 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.

Kasumigaura Marathon course route

The Kasumigaura Marathon is a very flat loop that starts and finishes in the Tsuchiura lakeside area and follows the western shore of Kasumigaura through open water views and rural Ibaraki farmland. The broad lakeside roads are the easiest miles, wind across the open basin is the tougher factor, and spectators concentrate near the Tsuchiura waterfront, in larger roadside villages, and around the lakefront finish.

Kasumigaura Marathon elevation profile

The Kasumigaura 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

For the Kasumigaura Marathon, the race is held on the third Sunday of April, often coinciding with cherry-blossom season in Ibaraki. Registration is at https://www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp/.

Kasumigaura Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

[2026 Latest] A complete guide while running the Kasumigaura Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kasumigaura Marathon elevation profile?: The Kasumigaura 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 Kasumigaura Marathon?: The Kasumigaura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside rural road starting and finishing in the Tsuchiura lakeside area on Kasumigaura's western shore.
What time does the Kasumigaura Marathon start?: The 2027 Kasumigaura Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is Lake Kasumigaura?: Kasumigaura is Japan's second-largest lake, a broad freshwater basin in Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo. The marathon follows its western and northern shores.
Is the Kasumigaura Marathon flat?: Yes. The lakeside roads are among the flattest marathon courses in Japan, with negligible elevation change around the reservoir.
When is the Kasumigaura Marathon?: The race is held on the third Sunday of April, often coinciding with cherry-blossom season in Ibaraki. Registration is at https://www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp/.
Where does the Kasumigaura Marathon start?: The start and finish are in the Tsuchiura area on Kasumigaura's shore, accessible via JR Joban Line from Tokyo.
What weather should I expect in April at Kasumigaura?: April mornings are mild, typically 10–16 °C (50–61 °F), with possible breezes off the lake. Rain is possible during Japan's spring rainy season approach.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Tsuchiura.

Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan· 8 km away

Tsukuba Marathon

The Tsukuba Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers each November through Japan's science city in Ibaraki Prefecture. The course passes Tsukuba Expo Center, Mount Tsukuba foothills, and the vast Kasumigaura lakeside plain on flat research-campus roads. November's crisp Kanto autumn makes it a popular regional race northeast of Tokyo.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Mito, Ibaraki, Japan· 36 km away

Mito Komon Marathon

The Mito Komon Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Mito, Japan. The race honors the famous Mito Komon figure and leans strongly into local history. The route passes Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads connected to the Tokugawa-era Mito heritage. Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads honor Tokugawa-era Mito heritage on a largely flat October course with strong local history.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Saitama, Saitama, Japan· 54 km away

Saitama Marathon

The Saitama Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each February on an urban road in Saitama, Japan. Wide roads and gentle elevation make it a promising fast-course option near Tokyo. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan· 65 km away

Itabashi City Marathon

The Itabashi City Marathon hosts about 14,000 runners each March in a northern Tokyo ward known for its residential neighbourhoods and Arakawa River parklands. The course is a flat urban loop through Itabashi and neighbouring wards, offering a local-community marathon experience within the Tokyo metropolitan area without the congestion of central Tokyo races.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan· 65 km awayWorld Marathon Major

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners through the heart of Japan's capital. The course showcases iconic landmarks including the Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza district before finishing near Tokyo Station. Known for exceptional organisation and enthusiastic crowd support, it is a bucket-list race for international runners.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

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