Overview
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. Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the Olympic-city basin make April's race scenic yet largely runnable.
Nagano Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Nagano Marathon 2027 race day
The next Nagano Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 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.
Nagano Marathon course route
Starts and finishes around Nagano's Olympic-era venues and city roads. The route passes Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the basin. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Nagano Marathon elevation profile
The Nagano 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 Nagano Marathon uses a lottery system through naganomarathon.gr.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in October for the April race. The field of roughly 10k 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Nagano Marathon elevation profile?
- The Nagano 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 Nagano Marathon?
- The Nagano Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban and plain road starts and finishes around Nagano's Olympic-era venues and city roads.
- What time does the Nagano Marathon start?
- The 2027 Nagano Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.naganomarathon.gr.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Nagano Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes around Nagano's Olympic-era venues and city roads. Updated course maps are published at https://www.naganomarathon.gr.jp/ each year.
- When is the Nagano Marathon and how do I register?
- Nagano Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://www.naganomarathon.gr.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Nagano Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Nagano Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Nagano Marathon pass?
- The route passes Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the basin.
- What weather should runners expect at Nagano Marathon?
- Usually cool and clear with dry spring mountain air.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Nagano.
Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan· 137 km away
Mt Fuji Marathon
The Mt Fuji Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each November around the Fuji Five Lakes region at the base of Japan's iconic volcano. The course passes Lake Kawaguchi, the Fuji Subaru Line approach, and lakeside roads with Mount Fuji views on clear autumn days. November's crisp highland weather and the sacred mountain backdrop make it Japan's most visually stunning road marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026
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