Overview
The Matsue Castle Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on a historic city road in Matsue, Japan. It is one of the few Japanese marathons whose identity centers squarely on a surviving feudal castle. The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town. Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets carry December's race through one of Japan's few marathons centered on a surviving feudal castle.
Matsue Castle Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Matsue Castle Marathon 2026 race day
The next Matsue Castle Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 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.
Matsue Castle Marathon course route
Starts and finishes near the Matsue urban core. The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Matsue Castle Marathon elevation profile
The Matsue Castle 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 Matsue Castle Marathon uses a lottery system through matsuejo-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in July for the December race. The capped field attracts steady domestic demand and lottery acceptance is not guaranteed. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Matsue Castle Marathon elevation profile?
- The Matsue Castle 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 Matsue Castle Marathon?
- The Matsue Castle Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic city road starts and finishes near the Matsue urban core.
- What time does the Matsue Castle Marathon start?
- The 2026 Matsue Castle Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.matsuejo-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Matsue Castle Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes near the Matsue urban core. Updated course maps are published at https://www.matsuejo-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Matsue Castle Marathon and how do I register?
- Matsue Castle Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.matsuejo-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Matsue Castle Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Matsue Castle Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Matsue Castle Marathon pass?
- The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town.
- What weather should runners expect at Matsue Castle Marathon?
- Usually cold with dry winter air and occasional lakeside wind.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Matsue.
Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Japan· 188 km away
Fukuchiyama Marathon
The Fukuchiyama Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a river city road in Fukuchiyama, Japan. The marathon has one of the deeper traditions among Japan's regional citizen races. The route passes castle-town streets, the Yura River corridor, and broad roads through northern Kyoto Prefecture. Castle-town streets and the Yura River corridor carry one of Japan's deeper regional traditions through northern Kyoto Prefecture on broad, mostly level roads.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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