Overview
The Mie Matsusaka Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each December on an urban and rural road in Matsusaka, Japan. Local food culture is a major part of the race identity and post-race atmosphere. The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef. Castle-town streets and open countryside linked to Matsusaka beef carry December's race through a region where local food culture shapes the post-race atmosphere.
Mie Matsusaka Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Mie Matsusaka Marathon 2026 race day
The next Mie Matsusaka 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.
Mie Matsusaka Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Matsusaka's central event district. The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Mie Matsusaka Marathon elevation profile
The Mie Matsusaka 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 Mie Matsusaka Marathon uses a lottery system through mie-matsusaka-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 Mie Matsusaka Marathon elevation profile?
- The Mie Matsusaka 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 Mie Matsusaka Marathon?
- The Mie Matsusaka Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban and rural road starting and finishing in Matsusaka's central event district.
- What time does the Mie Matsusaka Marathon start?
- The 2026 Mie Matsusaka 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 mie-matsusaka-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Mie Matsusaka Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Matsusaka's central event district. Updated course maps are published at https://mie-matsusaka-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Mie Matsusaka Marathon and how do I register?
- Mie Matsusaka Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://mie-matsusaka-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Mie Matsusaka Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Mie Matsusaka Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Mie Matsusaka Marathon pass?
- The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef.
- What weather should runners expect at Mie Matsusaka Marathon?
- Usually cold but dry with crisp winter air and clear skies possible.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Matsusaka.

Related guides

Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →