2026 Kyoto Marathon

The 2026 Kyoto Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, will take place in Kyoto, Japan, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic urban landscapes. The event will begin at TAKEBISHI Stadium Kyoto within Nishikyogoku Athletic Park and conclude in front of the Heian-jingu Shrine, offering runners a route that showcases Kyoto's historic and modern character. On this date, Kyoto is expected to experience mild winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C and generally clear skies. Participants will navigate a certified road marathon course through paved streets, passing cultural landmarks and offering a mix of urban and suburban terrain. The event will include a marathon, a Pair-Ekiden relay, and a wheelchair race, each with distinct route configurations and timing.

What is the event name and date?

The event is the 2026 Kyoto Marathon, taking place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

What is the location of the event?

The event is held in Kyoto, Japan, with the marathon starting at TAKEBISHI Stadium Kyoto in Nishikyogoku Athletic Park and finishing in front of the Heian-jingu Shrine in the eastern district of the city.

What is the terrain of the marathon course?

The marathon course is entirely on paved urban and suburban streets, designed to highlight Kyoto's cultural landmarks while maintaining a runnable profile suitable for both competitive and recreational runners.

What are the key distances and formats of the event?

• →The marathon is 42.195 km.
• →The Pair-Ekiden relay is 42.195 km, split into two legs: 27.6 km and 14.6 km.
• →The Wheelchair Race is 6.1 km.

What are the start times for the different events?

• →The Wheelchair Race starts at 08:55.
• →The Marathon and Pair-Ekiden start at 09:00.

What is the time limit for the marathon and Pair-Ekiden?

The time limit is 6 hours (gun time) for both the marathon and Pair-Ekiden.

What is the field size for each event?

• →The marathon has 16,000 participants.
• →The Pair-Ekiden relay has 250 teams (500 runners).
• →The wheelchair race has 20 athletes.

What is the theme of the event?

The event theme is “DO YOU KYOTO? Marathon” and “Everyone is a hero,” emphasizing citizen sports participation and cultural ambassadorship.

What are the registration requirements?

Registration is online only. Domestic applicants are selected by lottery if oversubscribed, while overseas runners are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where must participants pick up their race packets?

Participants must pick up their race packets at Miyako-Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall) on February 13–14, 2026. Race-day packet pickup is not permitted.

How much does registration cost?

• →Marathon: JPY 18,500–35,000 depending on residency.
• →Pair-Ekiden: JPY 34,000 per team.
• →Wheelchair race: JPY 3,000.

What awards are available for participants?

• →Top 20 overall finishers (male/female) in the marathon and Pair-Ekiden.
• →Age-group podiums (5-year brackets) in the marathon and Pair-Ekiden.
• →Special recognition for Kyoto City residents in the marathon and Pair-Ekiden.
• →Top 3 finishers in the wheelchair race.

What are the eligibility requirements for the marathon and Pair-Ekiden?

Participants must be born before April 1, 2007, and capable of finishing within 6 hours.

What are the eligibility requirements for the wheelchair race?

Wheelchair race entrants must hold a certified physical disability status and receive endorsement from the Kyoto Sports Association for the Disabled.

What is the significance of the course?

The course is certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), World Athletics, and AIMS, ensuring it meets the standards of a road racing event. It highlights Kyoto's cultural landmarks and blends historic architecture with modern urban life.