Fukuoka Marathon
The Lowdown
The Fukuoka Marathon is an annual mass-participation road marathon held in early November, organized by Fukuoka City and Itoshima City. Now in its 13th edition (2026), the race draws approximately 13,000 runners and is the largest marathon in the Kyushu region. The point-to-point course starts at the Tenjin Intersection in Chuo-ku — the vibrant commercial heart of Fukuoka — and finishes at the Itoshima City Koryu Plaza Shima-kan, with a stunning transition from urban streetscapes to the scenic coastline and mountains of Itoshima. The event is distinct from the historic elite-only Fukuoka International Marathon (a separate December race); the Fukuoka Marathon is fully open to mass participation, including 500 reserved spots for overseas runners. Entry is primarily by lottery for domestic runners. The race carries a World Athletics Elite Label and qualifies as a Boston Marathon qualifying race.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Tenjin Intersection, Chuo-ku (start area)
Fukuoka City waterfront and bay views
Itoshima coastal scenery and mountains (finish area)
Itoshima City Koryu Plaza Shima-kan (finish line)
Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
JP
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years of age or older on race day
- Overseas runners: must reside outside Japan and apply via Google Forms
- Domestic runners: selected by lottery from applications submitted during the window
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Entry confirmation / race number bib
Entry Methods
- Online lottery application (domestic runners)
- Online first-come-first-served via Google Forms (overseas runners, first 500 guaranteed)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official cancellation policy at f-marathon.jp before registering
Distinct event from the Fukuoka International Marathon (elite men's race held in December); this is a separate mass-participation event.
World Athletics Elite Label road race.
Point-to-point course: Tenjin (Fukuoka City) to Itoshima City.
500 spots reserved for overseas runners on a guaranteed first-come basis.
Organized by Fukuoka City, Itoshima City, and Fukuoka Amateur Athletic Association.
Processing fee of ¥960 applies to the ¥16,000 domestic marathon entry (total ¥16,960).
Consecutive non-lottery-winners (2023–2025) receive 500 priority slots.
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Community
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