Naha Marathon

NahaOkinawaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Subtropical coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Naha Marathon brings roughly 14,000 runners to Okinawa's capital each December for a subtropical marathon experience unique in Japan. The course runs along the East China Sea coast and through Naha's urban centre with warm winter temperatures and ocean breezes. For runners seeking a December marathon in shorts and a vest, Naha is Japan's answer.

Naha Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 14k finishers

Weather: Warm and humid winter
20–22°C · humidity 60–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Naha Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Naha Marathon is an Okinawa coastal loop starting and finishing near Omoromachi, following the coastal highway with East China Sea views and passing the Shuri Castle area and Kokusai Street. The coastal flats are the easiest because they stay mostly level beside the water, while the inland rises toward Shuri and the exposed highway stretches make the tougher sections; spectator support is best around Omoromachi, along Kokusai Street, and near the Shuri approaches.

Naha Marathon route map

Registration

Naha Marathon entry requirements

The Naha Marathon uses a lottery through naha-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted in April or May for the December race in Okinawa. The field is capped and domestic demand is strong, making acceptance uncertain. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general entry is oversubscribed.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Naha Marathon elevation profile?: The Naha 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.
Where can I find the Naha Marathon route map?: This page includes a Naha Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the coastal highway with East China Sea views, passes Shuri Castle area, and runs through Kokusai Street.
How long is the Naha Marathon?: The Naha Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Subtropical coastal road starting and finishing in the Naha city centre near Omoromachi.
What time does the Naha Marathon start?: The 2026 Naha Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What makes the Naha Marathon unique in Japan?: Naha offers a subtropical December marathon on Okinawa, where temperatures often reach 18–22 °C (64–72 °F) — warm enough for shorts while the rest of Japan is in winter.
Does the Naha Marathon pass Shuri Castle?: The course passes the Shuri Castle area, the historic seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Runners experience Okinawan culture distinct from mainland Japanese marathons.
Where does the Naha Marathon start and finish?: The race starts and finishes in central Naha near Omoromachi. The coastal loop follows the East China Sea shoreline and returns through the city centre.
Is the Naha Marathon flat?: Yes. The coastal highway and Naha city streets are largely flat. Humidity and warmth are bigger challenges than terrain.
What should I know about Okinawa weather in December?: December in Naha is mild and humid with temperatures often 18–24 °C (64–75 °F). Sun protection and hydration are important even in winter. Typhoon season has usually ended but occasional rain is possible.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Naha.

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The Ibusuki Marathon in southern Kyushu attracts about 14,000 runners each January to a course along Kagoshima Bay with views of Sakurajima volcano. Ibusuki is famous for its natural hot-sand baths, and the marathon showcases the subtropical Satsuma Peninsula coastline. Warm winter temperatures and volcanic backdrop make it one of Japan's most distinctive regional marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027

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Next race: Sunday, 20 December 2026

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The Kagoshima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a scenic bay road in Kagoshima, Japan. Running with the active volcano Sakurajima in sight makes the course instantly recognizable. The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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WenzhouZhejiangChina· 722 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

NingboZhejiangChina· 726 km away

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The Ningbo Marathon draws approximately 15k runners each March through Zhejiang's ancient port city on the East China Sea. The course passes Tianyi Pavilion — China's oldest private library — the Old Bund waterfront, and the Hangzhou Bay bridge approach area on a flat coastal loop. March's mild Zhejiang spring showcases Ningbo's maritime trading heritage.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan· 731 km away

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The Aoshima Pacific Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Miyazaki, Japan. Its warm southern-Japan setting makes it a popular contrast to colder mainland December races. The route passes palm-lined boulevards, Aoshima approaches, and broad roads under a subtropical coastal sky. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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