What distances are available for this event?
- βMarathon (42.195 km)
- β8km Run
- βWheelchair 800m
- βEnjoy Run 3km and 1.3km
- βParent-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?
- βMarathon: Two entry pathsβJAAF-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: Β₯15,000 (standard); Β₯22,000 for Premium Runner or Beginner Support quotas.
- β8km 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: Β₯4,400.
- βWheelchair 800m: Entry fee: Β₯1,650.
- βEnjoy Run 3km: Entry fee: Β₯1,650β2,200.
- βParent-Child Run 1.3km: Entry fee: Β₯3,300 for 2 people.
- βEnjoy Run 1.3km for upper elementary students: Entry fee: Β₯1,650.
What are the registration fees for the event?
- βMarathon (standard): Β₯15,000
- βMarathon (Premium Runner or Beginner Support): Β₯22,000
- β8km Run: Β₯4,400
- βWheelchair 800m: Β₯1,650
- βEnjoy Run 3km: Β₯1,650β2,200
- βParent-Child Run 1.3km: Β₯3,300 for 2 people
- βEnjoy Run 1.3km for upper elementary students: Β₯1,650
What are the start times for the event?
- βMarathon (general): 8:00 AM
- βMarathon (JAAF registered): 9:00 AM
- β8km Run: 9:00 AM
What is the time limit for each race?
- βMarathon: 6 hours from gun time
- β8km 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 3β5 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 3Β°C and 10Β°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.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Saitama Marathon?
A: The event takes place on 8 February 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in Saitama City, Japan.
Q: What distances are available?
A: Available distances: 1.3 km, 3 km, 8 km, 42 km.
Q: Where can I find more official information?
A: Visit the official website for the most up-to-date details.
