Nara Marathon

NaraNaraJapan

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Nara Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road in Nara, Japan. It is one of Japan's most atmospheric history-rich marathons because the route runs beside so many heritage zones. The course passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of the ancient capital's hills. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 10k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid winter
6–10°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:18:56 — Yūya Tsukamoto (2018)Women: 2:33:22 — Haruka Yamaguchi (2019)

Course & terrain

Nara Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Registration

Nara Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 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 confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Nara Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes near Nara's civic sports grounds. Updated each year.
When is the Nara Marathon and how do I register?: Nara Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens 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 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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Nara.

OsakaOsakaJapan· 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

OtsuShigaJapan· 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

KyotoKyotoJapan· 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

KobeHyogoJapan· 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

MatsusakaMieJapan· 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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

FukuchiyamaKyotoJapan· 93 km away

Fukuchiyama Marathon

The Fukuchiyama Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a river city road in Fukuchiyama, Japan. The marathon has one of the deeper traditions among Japan's regional citizen races. The route passes castle-town streets, the Yura River corridor, and broad roads through northern Kyoto Prefecture. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Nara Marathon

Overview

Nara Marathon course

Nara Marathon entry requirements

Nara Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

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