Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban and plain road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Nagano Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 10k finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Women: 2:26:38 — Alevtina Ivanova (2008)
Course & terrain
Nagano Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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.
The Nagano 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. 372 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Nagano Marathon 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.
Getting there
Nagano Marathon travel
Airports closest to Nagano for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Matsumoto (MMJ)
Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport
59 km / 36 mi
Common questions
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 rolling, 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 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 each year.
- When is the Nagano Marathon and how do I register?
- Nagano Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens 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.
Official resources
Nagano 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 Nagano.
FujikawaguchikoYamanashiJapan· 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
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.