2026 Shinjuku City Half Marathon

The 2026 Shinjuku City Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026 (Reiwa 8), featuring a road event officially certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and World Athletics. The event utilizes venues and surrounding areas including the National Stadium in Tokyo, Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku Station East Exit, and Kagurazaka. Participants can expect winter conditions typical for late January in Shinjuku City, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C to 9°C and low precipitation probability, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear. The event offers a range of competitive and recreational road and track races, including a certified half marathon eligible for world rankings, 10 km races, and various short-distance events for youth and families, all utilizing IC chip timing.

Event Overview

What is the 2026 Shinjuku City Half Marathon?

It is a road event officially certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations and World Athletics, taking place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 (Reiwa 8).

Where is the event held?

The venue is the National Stadium (Tokyo) and surrounding areas, including Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku Station East Exit, and Kagurazaka.

Who organizes the event?

The event is organized by Shinjuku City and supported by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

What is the weather expected to be like?

Participants should expect winter conditions in Shinjuku City, with temperatures typically between 1°C and 9°C in late January.

What type of event is this?

It is a road event with both road races and track events held inside the National Stadium.

Distances and Categories

What distances are available for this event?

• →Half Marathon (21.0975 km) – Start 8:30, time limit 2h30m.
• →10 km race – Start 11:15, time limit 1h30m.
• →3 km – Start 9:00 (junior high division) / 9:03 (general), finish by 9:30.
• →2 km – Start 13:30–13:39 for grades 3–6, finish by 14:00.
• →1 km Family Run – Start 14:00–14:16.
• →Special Run (200 m) – Inside the National Stadium.
• →Chick Run (42.195 m) – Inside the National Stadium.
• →Fun Run 5 km – 5 laps of a 1 km course inside the National Stadium (for high school and older).
• →Fun Run Relay (5×1 km laps) – Teams of 2–5 people.

What are the specific details for the Half Marathon?

The Half Marathon is 21.0975 km with a start time of 8:30 and a time limit of 2 hours 30 minutes. It features a certified course with detention checkpoints at set distances from 4.0 km to 20.7 km, passing through iconic areas like Yotsuya and Kagurazaka. It is World Athletics and JAAF certified, making it eligible for world rankings.

What are the details for the 10 km race?

The 10 km race starts at 11:15 with a time limit of 1 hour 30 minutes. It consists of two loops around Jingu Gaien and is JAAF certified.

What are the details for the short distance road events?

• →3 km: Starts at 9:00 (junior high) or 9:03 (general), finishing by 9:30. Runs around Jingu Gaien and the National Stadium.
• →2 km: Starts between 13:30–13:39 for grades 3–6, finishing by 14:00. Starts outside and finishes inside the National Stadium.
• →1 km Family Run: Starts between 14:00–14:16. For young children and parents running hand-in-hand. Wheelchairs and walking aids are allowed.

What track events are available inside the National Stadium?

• →Special Run (200 m): For elementary students, seniors (70+), or participants with disabilities. Wheelchairs and walking aids are permitted.
• →Chick Run (42.195 m): For parents and preschoolers running together. Wheelchairs and walking aids are permitted.

What is new for 2026?

New events include the Fun Run 5 km (5 laps of a 1 km course inside the National Stadium for high school and older) and the Fun Run Relay (5×1 km laps for teams of 2–5 people).

Registration and Eligibility

What is the registration system?

Entry is managed online via Sports Entry (Upload Co., Ltd.).

When is the deposit deadline?

The deposit deadline is one week after entry or by the specified close date. Entry is completed upon payment.

When will bibs be mailed?

Athlete bibs and programs will be mailed by January 20, 2026.

Who is eligible to participate?

Athletics Federation registered runners must be registered with JAAF before October 31, 2025. A Para category is available for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Participation Rules

Are strollers allowed?

No, strollers are not allowed in competitions. However, wheelchairs and walking aids are allowed in specified events (1 km Family Run, Special Run, and Chick Run).

What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds after payment unless the event is canceled by the organizers. A tiered refund policy applies depending on the date of cancellation.

How is timing handled?

Participants must wear their bib visibly on the front for official timing, which uses the IC chip timing method.

Are there any specific rules regarding the course?

The urban course includes some intersections where runners may need to pause for safety. Start order is determined by the declared expected finish time.

Is luggage storage available?

Yes, luggage storage is available, though it is at the participant's own risk.

Awards and Recognition

What awards are available?

General awards are given to top finishers per category. Special awards include the Kimihara Kenji Cup for the fastest male and female runners aged 70+ in the half marathon and the Shinjuku IDATEN Award for the fastest local Shinjuku student in each grade.

How can participants access their results?

Finish certificates are available online in PDF format.

Are there recommendations for other races?

Finishers or top performers may receive recommendations for the Tokyo Marathon 2027, Shibuya Omotesando Women’s Run, and other affiliated races.

Logistics and Access

Is parking available?

No, parking or bicycle parking is not available. Public transportation is required. Nearest stations include Sendagaya, Shinanomachi, and Kokuritsu-Kyogijo.

Can spectators attend?

Spectators can enter the National Stadium’s first-tier stands for free.

What facilities are available at the venue?

The event utilizes the National Stadium and surrounding areas. Luggage storage is available at own risk.