2026 Kitakyushu Marathon

The 2026 Kitakyushu Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Kitakyushu, a major city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The event is held on a certified road course through the urban streets of Kitakyushu, offering a flat to gently rolling route that is ideal for achieving personal bests. The race is officially recognized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and AIMS. On the day of the event, Kitakyushu is expected to experience mild winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C and generally clear to partly cloudy skies. Participants can expect a well-organized, fast course that showcases the city’s urban and coastal landscapes, with a focus on sustainability and efficient race management.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (42.195 km)
• →Pair Relay Marathon (approximately 20.4 km + 21.8 km legs)
• →20.7 km race
• →Fun Run (3 km or 5 km options)

What is the event schedule?

• →9:00 AM: Full Marathon, Pair Relay Marathon, and 20.7 km race start
• →10:00 AM: Fun Run (3 km or 5 km) starts

What are the start times for the different race categories?

• →Full Marathon, Pair Relay Marathon, and 20.7 km race: 9:00 AM
• →Fun Run (3 km or 5 km): 10:00 AM

What are the time limits for each race?

• →Full Marathon: 6-hour time limit
• →20.7 km race: 3-hour time limit
• →Fun Run: 45-minute time limit (elementary students limited to 3 km)

What is the capacity for each race?

• →Full Marathon: 10,800 runners
• →Pair Relay Marathon: 250 teams (500 runners total)
• →20.7 km race: 250 runners
• →Fun Run: 800 participants

What is the course like for the full marathon?

• →The full marathon starts in front of Kitakyushu City Hall and finishes at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center
• →Runners pass through multiple districts, including Kokura and Moji
• →Landmarks include Kokura Station, Moji Station, and waterfront areas along the Kanmon Strait
• →The course is flat to gently rolling with no significant elevation changes

What is the course like for the Pair Relay Marathon?

• →The Pair Relay Marathon follows the same route as the full marathon
• →The relay exchange point is near the West Japan General Exhibition Center (EXPO)

What is the course like for the 20.7 km race?

• →The 20.7 km race starts and finishes at the same location as the full marathon
• →It covers a shortened route of the full marathon course

What is the course like for the Fun Run?

• →The Fun Run is a loop starting and finishing at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center
• →Participants can choose between 3 km or 5 km distances

What are the key runner notes for this event?

• →Start corrals are assigned based on declared finishing times
• →A barrier system is in place, with course sections closing progressively based on pace
• →Runners falling behind barriers will be transported forward by support buses
• →A "My Cup" program encourages runners to carry personal cups for water stations (excluding Fun Run)
• →Optional nickname bibs are available for 500 yen, allowing up to 5 full-width characters
• →No wheelchair division is permitted, but guide runners are allowed for visually impaired participants (maximum 1 companion)

What are the registration highlights for this event?

• →General participants are selected through a lottery system (August 8 – September 25, 2025)
• →A "Speed Runner" lottery (1,000 slots) is available for runners with sub-3:30 marathon times or equivalent performances
• →A "Kitakyushu Citizens" lottery (2,000 slots) is available for local residents
• →First-come-first-served options include Sports Promotion Runner (hometown tax donation), bib pre-delivery, overseas slots, and volunteer quotas

What finisher rewards are available?

• →All marathon, relay, and 20.7 km finishers receive a commemorative medal and digital finisher certificate
• →Age-group and overall awards are presented for top placers
• →Fun Run participants receive participation gifts, but no timing or awards are given

What runner services are available?

• →Bib pickup is available on February 14 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the West Japan General Exhibition Center (EXPO)
• →Optional paid merchandise includes an official race T-shirt (+1,500 yen), bib clips (+800 yen/set), and a bib holder (+800 yen)

What is the expected weather for the event?

• →On February 15, 2026, Kitakyushu is expected to have mild winter conditions
• →Temperatures are projected to range from 5°C to 12°C
• →Sky conditions are expected to be clear to partly cloudy

Are there any restrictions on participation?

• →No wheelchair division is permitted
• →Guide runners are allowed for visually impaired participants (maximum 1 companion)
• →Elementary students are limited to the 3 km Fun Run option

What is included in the registration?

• →Access to the race course and all event facilities
• →A race bib and timing chip (for marathon, relay, and 20.7 km)
• →Water and aid stations along the course
• →A commemorative medal for finishers of the marathon, relay, and 20.7 km
• →A digital finisher certificate for marathon, relay, and 20.7 km finishers
• →Participation gifts for Fun Run participants

What sustainability initiatives are in place for this event?

• →A "My Cup" program encourages runners to bring personal cups for water stations
• →The event emphasizes efficient logistics and environmental responsibility

What are the rules regarding race start corrals?

• →Start corrals are assigned based on declared finishing times
• →This ensures a safe and organized start for all participants