2026 Ehime Marathon
The 2026 Ehime Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The event begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM, with the race starting in front of the Ehime Prefectural Government Office and finishing at Shiroyama Park in the Horinouchi district. The course is a certified road racecourse by JAAF and AIMS, covering 42.195 km on paved roads through Matsuyama city and its surrounding areas. The event is expected to have mild winter conditions, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 12°C, though participants should be prepared for potential wind and occasional rain. The race features a 6-hour time limit with checkpoints along the route and accommodates up to 10,000 runners. The course is designed for runners of all levels, with a focus on a smooth and well-organized experience. The event also contributes to the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) MTT Age Group World Rankings for participants aged 40 and over.
What is the event name and date?
The event is the 2026 Ehime Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026.
What is the location of the event?
The event takes place in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The race starts in front of the Ehime Prefectural Government Office and finishes at Shiroyama Park in the Horinouchi district.
What is the race distance?
- →Full marathon (42.195 km)
What is the event schedule?
- →Start time: 10:00 AM
- →Event concludes: 4:00 PM
What is the course like?
The course follows the official "Ehime Marathon Matsuyama Long-Distance Racecourse," a certified road course that runs entirely on paved roads through Matsuyama city and surrounding areas. The course includes some modest hills, though detailed elevation data is not publicly available. The race has a 6-hour time limit with checkpoints positioned along the route.
What is the event capacity?
The event has a capacity of 10,000 runners.
How much does registration cost?
- →20,000 yen (plus separate handling and processing fees)
What are the awards and prizes?
- →General category: Top 8 male and female finishers
- →Age categories (both genders): Top 3 in each division—29 and under, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60 and over
What is included in the registration?
- →Commemorative Imabari Towel (locally famous towel from Ehime's Imabari region)
- →Official finisher's certificate
What are the weather conditions expected?
The event is expected to have mild winter conditions, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 12°C. Participants should be prepared for potential wind and occasional rain.
Is the event affected by rain?
No, the event will not be postponed for rain.
What is the significance of the event in the marathon world?
The Ehime Marathon will join the "Abbott WMM MTT Age Group World Rankings for 40 years and over, 5 years old" from the 63rd edition. It is one of 16 events in Japan included in the rankings, which features more than 350 events globally.
What is the course start and finish location?
- →Start: In front of the Ehime Prefectural Government Office in central Matsuyama
- →Finish: At Shiroyama Park in the Horinouchi district
What is the race time limit?
The race has a 6-hour time limit with checkpoints positioned along the route.