Next race
Sunday, 7 February 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Kochi Ryoma Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each February on a scenic coastal road in Kochi, Japan. The Ryoma branding gives the marathon a strong local-hero identity unique in Japan. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Kochi Ryoma Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 8,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Kochi Ryoma Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts in Kochi City and finishes at the spring race venue near the coast. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Kochi Ryoma Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 58 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Kochi Ryoma Marathon entry requirements
The Kochi Ryoma Marathon uses a lottery system through ryoma-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in August for the February race. The field of roughly 8k 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.
Getting there
Kochi Ryoma Marathon travel
Airports closest to Kochi for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Nankoku (KCZ)
Kochi Ryoma Airport
13 km / 8 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kochi Ryoma Marathon elevation profile?
- The Kochi Ryoma 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 Kochi Ryoma Marathon?
- The Kochi Ryoma Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course from Kochi City to the spring race venue near the coast.
- What time does the Kochi Ryoma Marathon start?
- The 2027 Kochi Ryoma Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Kochi Ryoma Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in Kochi City and finishes at the spring race venue near the coast. Updated each year.
- When is the Kochi Ryoma Marathon and how do I register?
- Kochi Ryoma Marathon is typically held in February. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Kochi Ryoma Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Kochi Ryoma Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Kochi Ryoma Marathon pass?
- The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture.
- What weather should runners expect at Kochi Ryoma Marathon?
- Usually cool to mild with brighter winter sun and occasional ocean breeze.
Official resources
Kochi Ryoma Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Kochi.
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.