2026 Saitama Marathon
The 2026 Saitama Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, will take place in Shintoshin, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The race hub is centered around the Saitama Super Arena in Chūō Ward, with the marathon finishing at Urawa Komaba Stadium in Urawa Ward. The event features a fully paved urban course on closed public roads, offering a flat and fast route ideal for runners of all levels. On the morning of the race, temperatures in Shintoshin are expected to range between 3°C and 10°C, providing favorable conditions for competitive and recreational runners alike. Participants can expect a well-organized event with a strong community presence, excellent spectator access, and a variety of race categories to suit different abilities and interests.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (42.195 km)
- →8km Run
- →Wheelchair 800m
- →Enjoy Run 3km and 1.3km
- →Parent-Child Run 1.3km
What is the course like for the marathon?
The marathon is a JAAF-certified flat urban road course starting and finishing in the vicinity of Saitama Super Arena. The route loops through central Saitama City and extends into Koshigaya City to the east. The course is fully paved and on closed public roads, with no significant elevation changes. It is designed to be fast and spectator-friendly, typical of Japanese urban marathons.
What are the race categories and their details?
- →Marathon: Two entry paths—JAAF-registered athletes and general public. Minimum age: 18 years (excluding high school students). Start time: 8:00 AM (general), 9:00 AM (JAAF registered). Time limit: 6 hours from gun time. Field size: 14,000 runners. Entry fee: ¥15,000 (standard); ¥22,000 for Premium Runner or Beginner Support quotas.
- →8km Run: Minimum age: 15 years (excluding junior high students). Start time: 9:00 AM. Time limit: 90 minutes. Field size: 1,500 runners. Entry fee: ¥4,400.
- →Wheelchair 800m: Entry fee: ¥1,650.
- →Enjoy Run 3km: Entry fee: ¥1,650–2,200.
- →Parent-Child Run 1.3km: Entry fee: ¥3,300 for 2 people.
- →Enjoy Run 1.3km for upper elementary students: Entry fee: ¥1,650.
What are the registration fees for the event?
- →Marathon (standard): ¥15,000
- →Marathon (Premium Runner or Beginner Support): ¥22,000
- →8km Run: ¥4,400
- →Wheelchair 800m: ¥1,650
- →Enjoy Run 3km: ¥1,650–2,200
- →Parent-Child Run 1.3km: ¥3,300 for 2 people
- →Enjoy Run 1.3km for upper elementary students: ¥1,650
What are the start times for the event?
- →Marathon (general): 8:00 AM
- →Marathon (JAAF registered): 9:00 AM
- →8km Run: 9:00 AM
What is the time limit for each race?
- →Marathon: 6 hours from gun time
- →8km Run: 90 minutes
What is included in the registration?
Official marathon and 8km bibs with embedded timing chips are mailed in advance. No race-day pickup is available. Finisher certificates are digital only. Team registration for the marathon is available for groups of 3–5 runners. Escort runners are permitted for athletes with disabilities, with specific rules for the wheelchair category and marathon escorts.
Are there any restrictions on the course?
Course barriers close progressively based on the 6-hour marathon and 90-minute 8km pace. Runners beyond the barriers must board sweep buses. Guide dogs are not allowed, and no timing or awards are given for the wheelchair, Enjoy Run, or Parent-Child Run categories.
What is the weather like in Shintoshin in February?
In February, temperatures in Shintoshin typically range between 3°C and 10°C, providing ideal conditions for running. The event is held on a fully paved urban course, making it suitable for a wide range of participants.
What is the event's focus?
The event emphasizes accessibility and community participation, with a variety of categories designed for runners of all ages and abilities. It is a well-organized marathon with strong municipal support, offering a hassle-free experience in a festival atmosphere centered around Saitama Super Arena. The urban setting ensures excellent crowd support and transport access via multiple rail lines.