Next race
Sunday, 7 March 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban and rural road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Saga Sakura Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each March on an urban and rural road in Saga, Japan. The combination of pancake-flat terrain and blossom timing defines the event's character. The course passes flat farm-country roads, creek networks, and cherry-tree sections around the city outskirts. The course is very flat throughout.
Saga Sakura Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 8,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Saga Sakura Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes in Saga City's civic district. The course passes flat farm-country roads, creek networks, and cherry-tree sections around the city outskirts. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Saga Sakura Marathon course is 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.
- Elevation
Registration
Saga Sakura Marathon entry requirements
The Saga Sakura Marathon uses a lottery system through sagasakura-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in September for the March race. The field of roughly 8k 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.
Getting there
Saga Sakura Marathon travel
Airports closest to Saga for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Kyushu Saga International Airport (HSG)
9 km / 6 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Saga Sakura Marathon elevation profile?
- The Saga Sakura Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Saga Sakura Marathon?
- The Saga Sakura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban and rural road starting and finishing in Saga City's civic district.
- What time does the Saga Sakura Marathon start?
- The 2027 Saga Sakura Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Saga Sakura Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Saga City's civic district. Updated each year.
- When is the Saga Sakura Marathon and how do I register?
- Saga Sakura Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Saga Sakura Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Saga Sakura Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Saga Sakura Marathon pass?
- The course passes flat farm-country roads, creek networks, and cherry-tree sections around the city outskirts.
- What weather should runners expect at Saga Sakura Marathon?
- Usually mild with some humidity and gentle spring conditions.
Official resources
Saga Sakura Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Saga.
ShimonosekiYamaguchiJapan· 100 km away
Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon
The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers each November on a harbor road in Shimonoseki, Japan. The narrow strait setting gives the race a dramatic maritime character from start to finish. The course passes Kanmon Strait waterfronts, fishing-port districts, and repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.