What is the Nara Marathon elevation profile?

The Nara Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.

How long is the Nara Marathon?

The Nara Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds.

What time does the Nara Marathon start?

The 2026 Nara 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.nara-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Nara Marathon start and finish?

Starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds. Updated course maps are published at https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ each year.

When is the Nara Marathon and how do I register?

Nara Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.

Is the Nara Marathon course flat?

The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ before setting pace targets.

What weather should runners expect at Nara Marathon?

Usually cold and dry with bright winter light and manageable humidity.

Nara Marathon

Nara, Japan

Overview

The Nara Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road through Japan's ancient capital. The route passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of wooded hills above the old city. Modest climbs through the middle miles reward runners with shifting views of shrines, deer-filled parkland, and Nara's rolling skyline.

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

Nara Marathon 2026 race day

The next Nara 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 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.

Nara Marathon course route

Starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds. The course passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of the ancient capital's hills. Temple-adjacent rollers and park-edge rises shape the middle miles, with Nara Park spectators cheering near the deer-lined approaches.

Nara Marathon elevation profile

The Nara Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Nara Marathon uses a lottery system through nara-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in June for the December 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 Nara Marathon elevation profile?: The Nara Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Nara Marathon?: The Nara Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds.
What time does the Nara Marathon start?: The 2026 Nara 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.nara-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Nara Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds. Updated course maps are published at https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ each year.
When is the Nara Marathon and how do I register?: Nara Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Nara Marathon course flat?: The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.nara-marathon.jp/ before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Nara Marathon pass?: The course passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of the ancient capital's hills.
What weather should runners expect at Nara Marathon?: Usually cold and dry with bright winter light and manageable humidity.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Nara.

Osaka, Osaka, Japan· 28 km away

Osaka Marathon

The Osaka Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 32k finishers on an urban road in Osaka, Japan. The course starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. The route passes Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Umeda, and Namba through central Osaka. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on bridge approaches over the city's rivers.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

Otsu, Shiga, Japan· 35 km away

Biwako Marathon

The Biwako Marathon is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious marathons, drawing approximately 5,367 finishers each March around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The course follows Japan's largest lake with views of the Hira mountains and the Otsu waterfront. March's cool Kansai spring and flat lakeside paths make it a favourite tune-up before the Tokyo Marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan· 38 km away

Kyoto Marathon

The Kyoto Marathon brings roughly 17,000 runners through Japan's ancient capital each February. The course links UNESCO-listed temples, the Kamo River, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace with views of forested hills on the city's eastern edge. Kyoto's cultural landmarks and spring-adjacent race date make it one of Japan's most scenic urban marathons despite a largely flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 21 February 2027

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan· 57 km away

Kobe Marathon

The Kobe Marathon draws around 18,000 runners each November on a course that celebrates the port city's recovery and waterfront identity. The route crosses the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge area and follows Kobe's harbourfront with views of the Rokko mountains and Osaka Bay. Kobe's mild autumn climate and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of western Japan's most popular marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Matsusaka, Mie, Japan· 68 km away

Mie Matsusaka Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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