What is the Tsukuba Marathon elevation profile?

The Tsukuba 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 Tsukuba Marathon?

The Tsukuba Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Tsukuba Capio or Expo Center area.

What time does the Tsukuba Marathon start?

The 2026 Tsukuba Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.tsukuba-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is Tsukuba known for?

Tsukuba is Japan's premier science and research city, home to the Tsukuba Space Center and numerous national research institutes. The marathon loops through this planned academic community.

When is the Tsukuba Marathon?

The Tsukuba Marathon is held in November, typically on the third Sunday. Registration is at https://www.tsukuba-marathon.com/.

Is the Tsukuba Marathon flat?

Yes. The Tsukuba plain is flat, though Mount Tsukuba is visible to the north without being climbed on the course.

What weather should I expect in Tsukuba in November?

November in Tsukuba is crisp autumn weather, often 8–16 °C (46–61 °F). Clear days offer views of Mount Tsukuba to the north.

Tsukuba Marathon

Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Overview

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.

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

Tsukuba Marathon 2026 race day

The next Tsukuba Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 15 November 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.

Tsukuba Marathon course route

The Tsukuba Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Tsukuba Capio or Expo Center area. The loop passes the Tsukuba Science City campus roads, the Kenkyū-gakuen district, and Kasumigaura lakeside approaches. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.

Tsukuba Marathon elevation profile

The Tsukuba 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

Tsukuba is about 45 minutes from Akihabara Station on the Tsukuba Express (TX) line. Organisers provide shuttle buses from Tsukuba Station on race morning.

Tsukuba Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

[Marathon] Introducing the new course for the 45th Tsukuba Marathon!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tsukuba Marathon elevation profile?: The Tsukuba 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 Tsukuba Marathon?: The Tsukuba Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Tsukuba Capio or Expo Center area.
What time does the Tsukuba Marathon start?: The 2026 Tsukuba Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.tsukuba-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is Tsukuba known for?: Tsukuba is Japan's premier science and research city, home to the Tsukuba Space Center and numerous national research institutes. The marathon loops through this planned academic community.
When is the Tsukuba Marathon?: The Tsukuba Marathon is held in November, typically on the third Sunday. Registration is at https://www.tsukuba-marathon.com/.
Is the Tsukuba Marathon flat?: Yes. The Tsukuba plain is flat, though Mount Tsukuba is visible to the north without being climbed on the course.
How do I get to the Tsukuba Marathon from Tokyo?: Tsukuba is about 45 minutes from Akihabara Station on the Tsukuba Express (TX) line. Organisers provide shuttle buses from Tsukuba Station on race morning.
What weather should I expect in Tsukuba in November?: November in Tsukuba is crisp autumn weather, often 8–16 °C (46–61 °F). Clear days offer views of Mount Tsukuba to the north.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Tsukuba.

Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan· 8 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

Mito, Ibaraki, Japan· 42 km away

Mito Komon Marathon

The Mito Komon Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Mito, Japan. The race honors the famous Mito Komon figure and leans strongly into local history. The route passes Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads connected to the Tokugawa-era Mito heritage. Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads honor Tokugawa-era Mito heritage on a largely flat October course with strong local history.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Saitama, Saitama, Japan· 46 km away

Saitama Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan· 58 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

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan· 58 km awayWorld Marathon Major

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

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