The 2026 Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, starting at 9:00 am from the north side of Fureai Plaza Nanohanakan in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. On that day the weather is expected to be cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 15 °C, partly cloudy skies, light wind, and a low chance of rain. Runners can anticipate a JAAF‑approved 42.195‑km full‑marathon course that winds around scenic coastal parks, includes two major checkpoints, and offers full support with water stations, medical assistance, and post‑race amenities.
What distance is available for this event?
→Full marathon – 42.195 km
What are the eligibility requirements for participants?
→Must be 19 years of age or older (born on or before April 1, 2007)
→Must finish the race within 8 hours (gun‑time basis)
How much does registration cost?
→Entry fee: ¥10 000 per runner
What is the time limit for the race?
→8 hours from the gun start time
Where are the race checkpoints located and when do they close?
→29 km checkpoint – Healthy Land entrance (closes at 3:00 pm)
→35 km checkpoint – JR Yamakawa Station (closes at 4:00 pm)
How is timing recorded during the race?
→Official timing is captured at the start and every 10 km interval
→Final standings are based on gun time
What awards are given at the finish line?
→1st–6th place in each age bracket
→Special awards for distance, longevity, sister/twin city, and every 500th finisher
What prizes are awarded to top finishers?
→Invitation to the Gyeongju Cherry Marathon (April 2026) for the top two finishers
→¥100,000 JTB travel voucher for the winner of the 1st place in the overall category
→Invitation to the Chitose JAL International Marathon (June 2026) for the 2026th finisher
→Round‑trip airfare for the top male and top female runners from Kagoshima Prefecture
When and where can runners pick up their race bibs?
→January 10 (Saturday) – 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
→January 11 (Sunday) – 6:30 am to 8:00 am
→Location: Ibusuki Municipal Gymnasium
How can finishers obtain their certificates?
→Finisher certificates are available for download from the event’s official website
Where can runners store valuable items during the event?
→Valuables may be held temporarily at the gym and Sun City Hall, both located within the event venue complex
How many water stations are there, and where are they placed?
→14 water stations in total
→Positioned every 2.5 km, starting at the 7.5 km mark
What facilities and amenities are available at the event venue?
→Reception at Ibusuki Municipal Gymnasium
→Food and beverage stalls near the finish area
→Medical tents and first‑aid stations along the course
→Restrooms and shower facilities at the start and finish lines
When does the race start and finish?
→Start line: 9:00 am from the north side of Fureai Plaza Nanohanakan
→Finish line: Ibusuki Municipal Athletics Field
What can participants expect during the race day?
→A well‑organized course with clearly marked checkpoints and water stations
→Professional timing and result recording
→Support from medical staff and volunteers
→Post‑race celebration with awards and prizes at the finish area
How are the special awards determined?
→Distance award – for the longest total distance covered in the event
→Longevity award – for the runner with the longest marathon career
→Sister/Twin City award – for runners from partnered cities
→Every 500th finisher award – for the 500th, 1000th, etc., finishers in the order of completion
