2026 Beppu Oita Mainichi Marathon
The 74th Beppu Oita Mainichi Marathon will take place on February 1, 2026, in Oita Prefecture, Japan. The event starts in the Umitamago area of Oita City near Takasaki Mountain and the Umitamago aquarium, with the turnaround point at Kamegawa Fishing Port in Beppu City, and the finish line at J-Lease Stadium in Oita City. The course spans 42.195 km on paved roads, following a redesigned route that prioritizes flat and gently rolling terrain to support faster times. Weather conditions in Oita during late January to early February typically feature mild temperatures, with average highs around 10°C to 15°C and low chances of precipitation. Participants can expect a well-organized, certified road race that highlights the scenic coastal landscapes of Beppu Bay and the urban areas of Oita and Beppu.
What is the event name and date?
The event is the 74th Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon, scheduled for February 1, 2026.
What is the location of the event?
The marathon takes place in Oita Prefecture, Japan. The start is in the Umitamago area of Oita City, the turnaround point is at Kamegawa Fishing Port in Beppu City, and the finish is at J-Lease Stadium in Oita City.
What is the course description?
The course is a point-to-point road marathon covering 42.195 km on paved roads, certified by the Japan Athletics Association. It begins in Oita City, heads northeast toward Beppu City, turns around at Kamegawa Fishing Port, and returns to Oita City to finish at J-Lease Stadium. The route was redesigned in 2016 to reduce elevation changes and avoid narrow streets, creating a flatter and faster course.
What is the event significance?
The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is one of Japan's "Three Classic Marathons," alongside the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon and Fukuoka International Marathon. It is a key selection event for Japan's Olympic marathon team as part of the MGC Series 2025–26 men's G1 race. The event was founded in 1952 as a 35 km race and expanded to full marathon distance in 1953.
What is the current course record?
The current course record is 2:06:43, set by Ibrahim Hassan (Djibouti) at the 71st edition in 2023, which marked the first sub-2:07 performance in the event's history.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Full marathon (42.195 km)
- →Intermediate splits: 15 km, 20 km, 25 km, 30 km
- →Half marathon (21.0975 km)
What is the start time of the event?
The marathon starts at noon on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
What is the event's weather forecast?
In Oita during early February, average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C, with generally mild and stable weather conditions. Precipitation is rare, making it a favorable time for road racing.
What is the event's certification status?
The full marathon distance (42.195 km) is certified by the Japan Athletics Association. Intermediate splits of 15 km, 20 km, 25 km, and 30 km, as well as the half marathon (21.0975 km), are also officially certified for record purposes.
What is the event's historical background?
The marathon was first held in 1952 as a 35 km race, and it was expanded to full marathon distance in 1953. It has since become one of Japan's most prestigious long-distance running events.
Is this event part of any championship series?
Yes, the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is part of the MGC Series 2025–26 men's G1 race, serving as a key selection event for Japan's Olympic marathon team.