The 2026 Shonan Fujisawa City Marathon, specifically the 16th edition of this event, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The event is held in Enoshima, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, utilizing the scenic areas of Enoshima and Shonan Beach. Participants can expect a road race event organized by the Shonan Fujisawa City Marathon Executive Committee and the Fujisawa City Athletics Association. For late January in Enoshima, typical weather conditions are cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F). Runners should prepare for potentially cold mornings with clear skies, though conditions near the coast can be variable with sea breezes. The course is a flat road race starting at Enoshima and running along National Route 134, offering views of the ocean and Mount Fuji.
What distances are available for this event?
→Half Marathon (21.0975 km): A Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) certified course running from Enoshima to the Hamaska intersection on National Route 134 and back.
→Quarter Marathon (approx. 11.2 km): A shorter road race option.
→Parent-Child Run (approx. 1.9 km): A fun run for elementary school students and their guardians.
→Challenge Run (approx. 1.9 km): A designated run for children and students attending special needs schools or classes, and their guardians.
What are the participation requirements for each category?
→Half Marathon: Must be 15 years or older on the event day (junior high school students are not eligible). JAAF registered runners are eligible for official record certification.
→Quarter Marathon: Must be 15 years or older on the event day (junior high school students are not eligible).
→Parent-Child Run: Participants must be elementary school students accompanied by a parent or guardian.
→Challenge Run: Open to children and students attending special needs schools or special needs classes, accompanied by one guardian.
→Visual Impairment: Visually impaired participants are required to have a pacer, who must wear identifying markers.
What is the participation capacity and entry fees?
→Half Marathon: Capacity of 6,500 runners; entry fee is 8,500 JPY.
→Quarter Marathon: Capacity of 2,000 runners; entry fee is 7,000 JPY.
→Parent-Child Run: Capacity of 850 groups (1,700 people); entry fee is 6,000 JPY per group.
→Challenge Run: Capacity of 50 groups (100 people); entry fee is 6,000 JPY per group.
→Wheelchair Participation: Wheelchairs are permitted only in the Challenge Run category; they are not permitted in other categories.
What are the start times and time limits?
→Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon: Start at 8:30 AM. Time limit is 3 hours.
→Parent-Child Run & Challenge Run: Start at 8:45 AM. Time limit is 30 minutes.
What awards and recognition are given?
→Half Marathon (Overall):
- 1st to 3rd place (Male/Female): Certificate, medal, and supplementary prizes.
- 4th to 8th place (Male/Female): Certificate and supplementary prizes.
→Half Marathon (Citizens' Division): For residents of Fujisawa City. Awards for 1st to 8th place (Male/Female). Certificates and supplementary prizes are sent by mail; no on-site ceremony.
→Quarter Marathon: Awards for 1st to 3rd place (Male/Female). Certificates and supplementary prizes are sent by mail.
→Parent-Child Run & Challenge Run: No awards are given.
What is included in the registration?
→Participation Benefits: All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and a web record certificate.
→Items Distributed: A number card, measurement chip, and commemorative T-shirt are sent to participants prior to the event.
→Charity: A portion of the entry fee (100 JPY per entry) is donated to the Shonan Beach Environmental Maintenance and Fujisawa City Sports Promotion Fund.
What are the registration deadlines and methods?
→Application Period: June 1, 2025 (Sunday) to September 30, 2025 (Tuesday). Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for all categories.
→Application Method: Applications are processed via the internet using RUNNET.
→Distribution: Entry packets (number card, chip, T-shirt) are mailed to participants.
What are the course characteristics and regulations?
→Course Layout: The course starts at Enoshima and runs along the flat National Route 134 between the Koshigoe East Beach intersection and the Hamaska intersection (out and back).
→Scenery: The course offers views of the ocean and Mount Fuji.
→Traffic Restrictions: The section between Koshigoe East Beach intersection and Hamaska intersection (both directions) will be subject to traffic regulations.
→Safety: Participants are advised to manage their health and safety carefully. The organizer's insurance covers accidents and injuries.
→Cancellation: The event may be canceled due to weather or disasters. In such cases, entry fees will not be refunded.
→Media: Participants agree to the use of images and videos taken during the event for media and reporting purposes.
What are the age restrictions for junior high school students?
→Restriction: Junior high school students are not eligible to participate in the Half Marathon or Quarter Marathon on the event day.
→Exception: Junior high school students are allowed to participate in the Parent-Child Run if they are elementary school age (6th grade or below) or in the Challenge Run if they meet the special needs criteria.
Is parental consent required for minors?
→Requirement: Minors (under 18 years of age) are required to have the consent of a parent or guardian to participate.
