Saitama Marathon

SaitamaSaitamaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 14 February 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

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.

Typical participants: Approximately 6,000 finishers

Weather: Cool winter
3–6°C · humidity 55–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Saitama Marathon course

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

Starts and finishes in Saitama's modern city-center district. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Saitama Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 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, 14 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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 each year.
When is the Saitama Marathon and how do I register?: Saitama Marathon is typically held in February. Registration opens 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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Saitama.

TokyoTokyoJapan· 25 km away

Itabashi City Marathon

The Itabashi City Marathon hosts about 14,000 runners each March in a northern Tokyo ward known for its residential neighbourhoods and Arakawa River parklands. The course is a flat urban loop through Itabashi and neighbouring wards, offering a local-community marathon experience within the Tokyo metropolitan area without the congestion of central Tokyo races.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

World Marathon Major

TokyoTokyoJapan· 25 km away

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners through the heart of Japan's capital. The course showcases iconic landmarks including the Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza district before finishing near Tokyo Station. Known for exceptional organisation and enthusiastic crowd support, it is a bucket-list race for international runners.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

TsukubaIbarakiJapan· 46 km away

Tsukuba Marathon

The Tsukuba Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers each November through Japan's science city in Ibaraki Prefecture. The course passes Tsukuba Expo Center, Mount Tsukuba foothills, and the vast Kasumigaura lakeside plain on flat research-campus roads. November's crisp Kanto autumn makes it a popular regional race northeast of Tokyo.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

YokohamaKanagawaJapan· 53 km away

Nanohana Marathon

The Nanohana Marathon in Yokohama draws about 15,000 finishers each January on a course named for the rapeseed blossoms that line parts of the route in early spring. The race shares the Yokohama bayfront with views across Tokyo Bay and passes Kannai and the harbour district. It is one of several large January marathons in the greater Tokyo area.

Next race: Sunday, 24 January 2027

YokohamaKanagawaJapan· 53 km away

Yokohama Marathon

The Yokohama Marathon is a spring city race that attracts approximately 22k finishers through Japan's second-largest port. The course links Minato Mirai's waterfront towers, the historic Red Brick Warehouse district, and Yamashita Park with views across Tokyo Bay. Yokohama's flat coastal terrain and March race date make it a popular early-season marathon for Japanese runners and international visitors exploring the Kanto region.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

TsuchiuraIbarakiJapan· 54 km away

Kasumigaura Marathon

The Kasumigaura Marathon near Tsuchiura attracts about 12,000 runners each April around Japan's second-largest lake, Kasumigaura. The flat rural course follows the lakeshore through Ibaraki Prefecture with views of the wide freshwater basin and countryside. April cherry-blossom season and the lake's open horizons make it a popular spring marathon in the Kanto plain.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

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

Saitama Marathon

Overview

Saitama Marathon course

Saitama Marathon entry requirements

Saitama Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Saitama Marathon links

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