Overview
The Saitama Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each February on an urban road in Saitama, Japan. Wide roads and gentle elevation make it a promising fast-course option near Tokyo. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. The course is very flat throughout.
Saitama Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Saitama Marathon 2027 race day
The next Saitama Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 February 2027 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.
Saitama Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Saitama's modern city-center district. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. Planned-city boulevards keep grades modest for steady splits, with crowds near the Super Arena and riverbank finish.
Saitama Marathon elevation profile
The Saitama 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 Saitama Marathon uses a lottery system through saitama-marathon.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted during a window that opens in September for the February race. The capped field attracts steady domestic demand and lottery acceptance is not guaranteed. International runners can apply through Run Japan or official travel packages when general lottery entry is oversubscribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Saitama Marathon elevation profile?
- The Saitama 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 Saitama Marathon?
- The Saitama Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Saitama's modern city-center district.
- What time does the Saitama Marathon start?
- The 2027 Saitama Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on saitama-marathon.jp/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Saitama Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Saitama's modern city-center district. Updated course maps are published at https://saitama-marathon.jp/ each year.
- When is the Saitama Marathon and how do I register?
- Saitama Marathon is typically held in February. Registration opens through https://saitama-marathon.jp/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Saitama Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Saitama Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Saitama Marathon pass?
- The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections.
- What weather should runners expect at Saitama Marathon?
- Usually cold and dry with clear Kanto winter weather.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Saitama.
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