2026 Iwaki Sunshine Marathon

The 2026 Iwaki Sunshine Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, will take place in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The event will feature a full marathon, along with shorter races such as the 10km, 5km, 2km, and parent-child races, all centered around the coastal area of Onahama Port Aquamarine Park. On this date, Iwaki is expected to have a mild winter climate with temperatures ranging between 4°C and 10°C and mostly clear skies. Participants can expect a well-organized, certified road race that highlights the city’s natural beauty and cultural elements, including the local "Hula" culture and coastal winds, as reflected in the event’s theme of "Fly through Iwaki, the city of hula. Become the wind!"

What is the event theme and what does it represent?

The event theme, "Fly through Iwaki, the city of hula. Become the wind!" reflects the coastal environment of Iwaki and its cultural ties to hula, which is a traditional dance form. The theme emphasizes the experience of running through the city's landscape, with a focus on the natural energy of the wind and the vibrancy of local culture.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (42.195 km) starting at 9:00 AM
• →10km race starting at 8:30 AM
• →5km race starting at 8:30 AM
• →2km race for children starting at 8:30 AM
• →2km parent-child race starting at 8:30 AM

What are the eligibility requirements for the full marathon?

Eligibility for the full marathon includes JAAF registered men and women aged 18 and above, excluding high school students, as well as participants in the general division age groups ranging from under 29 up to 70 and above.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 10km race?

Eligibility for the 10km race includes participants in the general division (under 39, 40-59, 60+), as well as high school boys.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 5km race?

Eligibility for the 5km race includes participants in the general division (women under 39, 40-59, 60+), high school girls, and junior high boys and girls.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 2km race?

Eligibility for the 2km race includes elementary school students in grades 3-6, divided by gender.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 2km parent-child race?

Eligibility for the 2km parent-child race includes parents with children in grades 1-2 or grades 3-4, with a maximum of 300 pairs per age group.

How much does registration cost?

• →Full Marathon: 9,000 JPY
• →10km Race: 4,500 JPY (General), 2,000 JPY (High School Boys)
• →5km Race: 4,500 JPY (General), 2,000 JPY (High School Girls), 1,500 JPY (Junior High)
• →2km Race: 1,500 JPY
• →2km Parent-Child Race: 4,000 JPY per pair

What is the race schedule and start times?

• →Full Marathon: Starts at 9:00 AM
• →10km, 5km, 2km, and Parent-Child Races: Start times are sequential, beginning at 8:30 AM

What are the time limits for each race?

• →Full Marathon: 6 hours from the starting gun
• →10km: 1 hour 30 minutes from the start
• →5km and 2km: No strict time limit, though organizers may cancel the race if necessary
• →Parent-Child 2km: No time limit specified

What is the participant cap for each race?

• →Full Marathon: 5,000 runners
• →10km: 900 runners
• →5km: 500 runners
• →2km (Kids): 400 runners
• →2km (Parent-Child): 600 participants (300 pairs per age group)

What is included in the registration?

Registration includes access to the race course, timing chip, bib, and participation in the event. Additional services such as baggage transport are provided for the full marathon. Medical support is available through the medical runner program, and awards are given to top finishers in each category.

What is the medical runner program?

The medical runner program is available for participants in the full marathon, 10km, and 5km divisions. Qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are required to submit credentials and wear a specific medical runner t-shirt. They are responsible for assisting in emergencies while still being subject to the race rules and time limits.

How is timing handled during the event?

Timing is conducted using a chip attached to the runner's shoe, which is mandatory. Failure to wear the chip results in no official timing. The official record is based on gun time, from the start gun to the finish line.

What are the sole measurement requirements?

JAAF registered runners who finish under 2:21:00 (men) or 2:56:00 (women) will have their shoe soles measured post-race to ensure compliance with World Athletics thickness rules.

What are the restrictions and rules during the event?

Wheelchairs are not permitted. Visually impaired runners may participate with a companion guide, who must be clearly identified. All participants must carry a My Number card or health insurance card on race day. There are no refunds or changes to registration after application.

What are the awards and prizes?

For the full marathon, awards are given to the top 8 overall finishers per category and the top 5 per age group (excluding the JAAF registered category). For other distances, awards are given to the top 5 per age group category.