Okayama Marathon

OkayamaOkayamaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 8 November 2026

8:45 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Okayama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each November on an urban road in Okayama, Japan. Its rapid growth turned it into western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon. The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 14k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
12–15°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Okayama Marathon course

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

Starts in central Okayama and finishes near the city sports park. The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Okayama Marathon entry requirements

The Okayama Marathon uses a lottery system through okayamamarathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in May for the November race. The field of roughly 14k 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 Okayama Marathon elevation profile?: The Okayama 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 Okayama Marathon?: The Okayama Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts in central Okayama and finishes near the city sports park.
What time does the Okayama Marathon start?: The 2026 Okayama Marathon starts at 8:45 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Okayama Marathon start and finish?: Starts in central Okayama and finishes near the city sports park. Updated each year.
When is the Okayama Marathon and how do I register?: Okayama Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Okayama Marathon course flat?: Yes. Okayama Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Okayama Marathon pass?: The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River.
What weather should runners expect at Okayama Marathon?: Usually cool and dry with stable late-autumn conditions.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Okayama.

TokushimaTokushimaJapan· 87 km away

Tokushima Marathon

The Tokushima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a river road in Tokushima, Japan. Its levee-road profile makes it one of Japan's steadier pacing courses. The course passes Shinmachi River areas, wide embankment roads, and open views toward the surrounding low mountains. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

KobeHyogoJapan· 114 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

MatsueShimaneJapan· 123 km away

Matsue Castle Marathon

The Matsue Castle Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on a historic city road in Matsue, Japan. It is one of the few Japanese marathons whose identity centers squarely on a surviving feudal castle. The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

KochiKochiJapan· 128 km away

Kochi Ryoma Marathon

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each February on a scenic coastal road in Kochi, Japan. The Ryoma branding gives the marathon a strong local-hero identity unique in Japan. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

FukuchiyamaKyotoJapan· 130 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

MatsuyamaEhimeJapan· 140 km away

Ehime Marathon

The Ehime Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each February on an urban road in Matsuyama, Japan. Strong local support has made it one of Japan's most beloved regional marathons. The route passes Matsuyama Castle viewpoints, tram-lined streets, and residential roads in Shikoku's largest city. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Find a Marathon →

Planning guides

Related guides

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

Okayama Marathon

Overview

Okayama Marathon course

Okayama Marathon entry requirements

Okayama Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Okayama Marathon links

Websites

Social Media