Marathons in Shiga

Shiga has one marathon in our database in Japan, centred on Otsu.

Biwako Marathon typically draws around 5,367 finishers.

Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.

OtsuShigaJapan

Biwako Marathon

The Biwako Marathon is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious marathons, drawing approximately 5,367 finishers each March around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The course follows Japan's largest lake with views of the Hira mountains and the Otsu waterfront. March's cool Kansai spring and flat lakeside paths make it a favourite tune-up before the Tokyo Marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Shiga.

KyotoKyotoJapan· 11 km away

Kyoto Marathon

The Kyoto Marathon brings roughly 17,000 runners through Japan's ancient capital each February. The course links UNESCO-listed temples, the Kamo River, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace with views of forested hills on the city's eastern edge. Kyoto's cultural landmarks and spring-adjacent race date make it one of Japan's most scenic urban marathons despite a largely flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 21 February 2027

NaraNaraJapan· 35 km away

Nara Marathon

The Nara Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road in Nara, Japan. It is one of Japan's most atmospheric history-rich marathons because the route runs beside so many heritage zones. The course passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of the ancient capital's hills. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

OsakaOsakaJapan· 48 km away

Osaka Marathon

The Osaka Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 32k finishers on an urban road in Osaka, Japan. The course starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. The route passes Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Umeda, and Namba through central Osaka. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on bridge approaches over the city's rivers.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

KobeHyogoJapan· 71 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

FukuchiyamaKyotoJapan· 76 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

MatsusakaMieJapan· 77 km away

Mie Matsusaka Marathon

The Mie Matsusaka Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each December on an urban and rural road in Matsusaka, Japan. Local food culture is a major part of the race identity and post-race atmosphere. The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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