2025 Nara Marathon
The 2025 Nara Marathon takes place on December 14, 2025, in Nara, Japan, with the Mini Nara Marathon held the previous day on December 13. Runners will experience the historic streets and cultural landmarks of Nara Prefecture, including routes that highlight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Weather forecasts for December 14 indicate cool conditions with highs around 8°C (46°F) and lows near 2°C (36°F), partly cloudy skies, light winds of 5-10 km/h, and a low chance of precipitation, ideal for endurance running but requiring layers for early morning starts. Participants can expect a well-supported event featuring multiple race formats, from a full 42.195 km marathon and pair relay to a 10K and a family-friendly mini marathon, backed by local institutions like Nara Prefecture, Nara City, and the Nara Athletics Association.
What is the event overview?
The Nara Marathon 2025 is organized by the Nara Marathon Organizing Committee, with co-organizers including Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Tenri City, and Nara Newspaper. It is supervised by the Nara Athletics Association, with partners such as the Nara Prefecture Board of Education and Nara Sports Association. Supporters include the Nara City Fire Department, Nara Prefecture Regional Fire Service Association, Japanese Red Cross Society, and Nara Prefecture Office.
When are the event dates and start times?
- →Mini Nara Marathon: Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 2:00 pm
- →Marathon (42.195 km): Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 9:00 am
- →Pair Relay Marathon (42.2 km): Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 9:00 am
- →World Heritage 10K: Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 9:30 am
What race categories and distances are available?
- →Marathon: 42.195 km on December 14 at 9:00 a.m.
- →Pair Relay Marathon: 42.2 km on December 14 at 9:00 a.m.
- →World Heritage 10K: 10 km on December 14 at 9:30 a.m.
- →Mini Nara Marathon: 4 km (solo and relay) on December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
What are the eligibility requirements for each category?
- →Marathon: Participants born before April 1, 2007
- →Pair Relay Marathon: Both runners born before April 1, 2007
- →World Heritage 10K: General participants born before April 1, 2007; students born between April 2, 2007, and April 1, 2010
- →Mini Nara Marathon: Elementary school students and above
What are the time limits for each race?
- →Marathon: Must finish within 5 hours 30 minutes
- →Pair Relay: Half marathon segment within 2 hours 40 minutes
- →World Heritage 10K: Must finish within 85 minutes
- →Mini Nara Marathon: 60-minute limit
How much does registration cost?
- →Marathon: ¥17,000
- →Pair Relay Marathon: ¥31,000 (for two participants)
- →World Heritage 10K: ¥8,500 (general), ¥6,500 (high school students)
- →Mini Nara Marathon: ¥3,000 (solo), ¥4,500 (relay)
What is included with registration or as participation prizes?
- →Marathon, Pair Relay, and World Heritage 10K participants receive a T-shirt and running socks
- →Mini Nara Marathon participants receive a sports towel
- →Finishers of the Marathon and Pair Relay receive a medal and towel
- →Digital finisher’s certificate available online for all finishers
What are the key features of the event?
The event offers multiple race formats including a full marathon, pair relay marathon, World Heritage 10K, and Mini Nara Marathon (solo and relay). It emphasizes Nara’s cultural heritage, particularly through the World Heritage 10K route, and benefits from strong local institutional support from education boards, sports associations, fire departments, and the Red Cross.
What weather conditions should participants expect?
Forecasts for December 14, 2025, in Nara predict cool temperatures with daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and morning lows around 2°C (36°F), partly cloudy skies, light winds, and minimal rain risk. Dress in layers for the early starts, and prepare for typical mid-December chill in the Nara region.