2026 Osaka Marathon

The 2026 Osaka Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, will take place in Osaka, Japan, with the start located in front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Building and the finish inside Osaka Castle Park. The event is part of the Marathon Grand Championship Series and serves as selection trials for the 20th Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The race is expected to have moderate temperatures, with morning conditions likely ranging between 5°C and 10°C, and clear skies. Participants can expect a well-organized course that passes through iconic Osaka landmarks, offering both a competitive and scenic experience for runners of all levels.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (42.195 km)
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners) – 7.2 km
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Wheelchairs) – 720 meters

What is the schedule for the event?

• →Full Marathon start: 9:15 AM (Wave 1), with Waves 2 and 3 following sequentially
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners) start: Approx. 9:45 AM
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Wheelchairs) start: 10:30 AM
• →Full Marathon finish deadline: 16:15 (7-hour time limit based on Wave 1 gun)
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners) finish deadline: 11:05 AM (1 hour 20 minutes time limit)
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Wheelchairs) finish deadline: 11:00 AM (30-minute time limit)

What are the eligibility requirements for participation?

• →Full Marathon: Born on or before April 1, 2007 (18+ years old)
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners): Born on or before April 1, 2010 (15+ years old)

How much does registration cost?

• →Marathon (Individual): ¥16,000 (Domestic) / $145 USD (Overseas)
• →Marathon (Group): ¥16,500 per person (Domestic) / $150 USD (Overseas)
• →720 Run: ¥5,000 (Domestic) / $50 USD (Overseas
• →Additional costs include administrative fees and mandatory charity donations

What is the application period for general runners?

• →General runners: July 30, 2025 – August 29, 2025
• →Charity runners: Applications remain open until October 20, 2025

What is the selection method for runners?

• →General runners: Lottery system if oversubscribed (results announced September 26, 2025)
• →Charity runners: First-come, first-served

What is the course description for the full marathon?

• →Start: In front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Building
• →Finish: Inside Osaka Castle Park
• →The route is an official certified course by JAAF, World Athletics (WA), and AIMS, showcasing iconic Osaka landmarks and running through the city center

What is the course description for the 720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners)?

• →Start: In front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Building
• →Finish: In front of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest
• →A shorter urban run designed for broader participation

What is the course description for the 720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Wheelchairs)?

• →Start: Shiromi 1 Intersection
• →Finish: Inside Osaka Castle Park

What is the participant cap for each event?

• →Full Marathon: 31,970 runners
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Runners): 2,000 runners
• →720 〈Naniwa〉 Marathon (Wheelchairs): Not specified

What are the rules for starting the race?

• →Start format: Wave start based on self-reported Personal Best (PB) or estimated finish time
• →PB must be from an official event on or after August 1, 2023
• →Starting ahead of your assigned block results in disqualification

What are the costume rules for participants?

• →Costumes are allowed but prohibited for JAAF members
• →Costume-clad runners cannot start in Block A
• →Discomforting costumes or behavior are banned

What are the rules for pacing and escorts?

• →Runners with difficulties may have one escort runner (change allowed once at a designated point)
• →Guide dogs or animals are not permitted

What awards are given at the event?

• →Top 8 overall (Male/Female)
• →Civic Runner Award (Top non-elite local)
• →Chicago & Prague Marathon Awards (Specific criteria for Osaka residents)
• →Age group awards (Top 3 per 5-year bracket) and Super Senior Award

What is the doping policy for this event?

• →Strict adherence to WA and JADA rules
• →Testing conducted pre- and post-race

What is the bib collection process?

• →Dates: February 20–21, 2026
• →Venue: INTEX Osaka
• →Requirement: Photo ID mandatory; no proxy registration allowed

What are the important notes for participants?

• →Public transportation is strongly recommended; organizers are not responsible for delays
• →Race may be canceled due to natural disasters, infectious diseases, or safety concerns; refunds (if any) will deduct incurred expenses
• →Results are shared with World Marathon Majors LLC for age-group ranking purposes

What is the significance of this event?

• →Part of the Marathon Grand Championship Series (Men's G1 / Women's G2)
• →Selection trials for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 (Men)
• →Qualifying trials for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games Japan National Team (Men)
• →AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings qualifier