2026 Nishio Marathon
The 2026 Nishio Marathon will take place on January 18, 2026, throughout Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with the finish line at Yokosuka Park. Historically, mid-January in Nishio sees average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), with a possibility of light rain or overcast skies. Participants can anticipate a well-supported race with a scenic route showcasing the region’s historical and natural beauty, including castle town areas, rivers, coastal views, and tea fields. The event offers race categories for a wide range of ages and abilities, from a full marathon to shorter, family-friendly distances, and provides aid stations featuring local delicacies.
When and where will the 2026 Nishio Marathon be held?
The 2026 Nishio Marathon will be held on January 18, 2026, in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The finish line is located at Yokosuka Park.
Race Categories & Eligibility – Full Marathon
What are the eligibility requirements for the Full Marathon?
Participants in the Full Marathon must be 19 years of age or older and be able to complete the course within 6 hours and 30 minutes. There are 9 cutoff points along the route to ensure runner safety and time management.
What are the eligibility requirements for the 5KM race?
The 5KM race is open to participants 16 years of age and older, with a time limit of 1 hour.
What are the eligibility requirements for the 2KM race?
The 2KM race is open to participants 7 years of age and older. It includes divisions for ages 7–12, 13–15, a jogging category, and a wheelchair division. The wheelchair division has a 40-minute time limit.
What is the participation fee for the Full Marathon?
The participation fee for the Full Marathon is 12,400 JPY.
What are the participation fees for the 5KM race?
- →General (ages 19+): 4,000 JPY
- →Ages 16–18: 3,000 JPY
What is the participation fee for the 2KM race?
The participation fee for the 2KM race is 2,000 JPY.
Where and when is check-in for the race?
Check-in will be held on race day, January 18, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at the General Information Booth located at 22 Shimoda, Yorizumi-cho, Nishio City.
What are the start times for each race category?
- →Full Marathon: 9:00 AM (Nishio City Hall)
- →5KM: 10:00 AM (Yokosuka Park)
- →2KM: 10:10 AM (Yokosuka Park)
- →2KM Wheelchair: 10:20 AM (Yokosuka Park)
Where is the finish line and how can I get there?
The finish line for all races is located at Yokosuka Park. The park is a 6-minute walk from Nishio Station on the Meitetsu Nishio Line.
What kind of prizes are awarded for the Full Marathon?
Full Marathon finishers have a choice of several Nishio specialties as prizes, including strawberries, matcha sweets, shrimp crackers, premium nori (seaweed), or vouchers.
What do participants in the 5KM and 2KM races receive?
All participants in the 5KM and 2KM races will receive a towel.
What awards are given for performance?
- →Overall top 8 male and female finishers in the Full Marathon will receive awards.
- →The top 3 finishers in each category (excluding the jogging and wheelchair divisions) will also receive awards.
What is the capacity for each race category?
- →Full Marathon: 6,000 participants
- →5KM General: 450 participants
- →5KM Ages 16–18: 50 participants
- →2KM Ages 13–15: 30 participants
- →2KM Ages 7–12: 150 participants
- →2KM Jogging: 300 participants
- →2KM Wheelchair: 20 participants
Is the full marathon open to both men and women?
Yes, the full marathon is unique in Aichi Prefecture as it is the only one where men and women run together on public roads.
What is the route like?
The route is scenic, passing through areas known as “Little Kyoto” – a historic castle town, alongside rivers, the coastline, and through local tea fields.
What can participants expect at the aid stations?
Aid stations will provide refreshments, including local specialties such as Nishio matcha and Isshiki eel.
What kind of support can runners expect along the course?
Runners can expect vibrant entertainment and strong community support throughout the course.
What is the typical weather like in Nishio in January?
The typical weather in Nishio in January is cool, with average temperatures between 5°C and 10°C (41°F and 50°F). Participants should be prepared for the possibility of light rain or overcast conditions. Layered clothing is recommended.