Overview
The Niigata City Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each October through Japan's rice-basket capital on the Sea of Japan coast. The course passes the Bandai Bridge, the Shinano River mouth, and the Niigata waterfront with views of Sado Island on clear days. October's crisp Sea-of-Japan autumn and flat coastal terrain make it a popular Tohoku-region race.
Niigata City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Niigata City Marathon 2026 race day
The next Niigata City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Niigata City Marathon course route
The Niigata City Marathon is an urban coastal road that starts and finishes near the Bandai Bridge in central Niigata. The loop follows the Shinano River mouth, passes the Niigata waterfront, and crosses the city centre. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
Niigata City Marathon elevation profile
The Niigata City Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Niigata City Marathon uses a lottery through runfes-niigata.com and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted in May or June for the October race. The field is capped and domestic demand makes acceptance uncertain. International runners can apply through Run Japan when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Niigata City Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
新潟市の紹介 (梅雨の新潟) Introduction of Niigata City
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Niigata City Marathon elevation profile?
- The Niigata City Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Niigata City Marathon?
- The Niigata City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road starts and finishes near the Bandai Bridge in central Niigata.
- What time does the Niigata City Marathon start?
- The 2026 Niigata City Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on runfes-niigata.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- What is the Bandai Bridge?
- The Bandai Bridge spans the Shinano River in central Niigata and serves as the race's start/finish landmark — a symbol of the city on the Sea of Japan.
- When is the Niigata City Marathon?
- The Niigata City Marathon is held in October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Details at https://runfes-niigata.com/.
- Is the Niigata Marathon flat?
- Yes. Niigata's coastal plain course is flat with only minor bridge ramps.
- What is Niigata famous for?
- Niigata produces some of Japan's finest sake and rice, fed by heavy winter snowfall from the Japan Alps. The marathon showcases this food-loving coastal city.
- What weather should I expect in Niigata in October?
- October in Niigata is crisp autumn weather, often 12–18 °C (54–64 °F) with Sea of Japan breezes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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