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Kyoto Marathon

February 21, 2027 · 8:00 AMKyoto, Japan

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Race snapshot

Race Day

43°F

34–50°F · Feels cold

Total elevation gain

394ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +49 ft

Participants

17K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Kyoto Marathon, first held in 2012, has quickly become one of Japan's most scenic city marathons, blending competitive running with the cultural and historical richness of Kyoto. Traditionally staged in February, the race draws both domestic and international runners who want to experience Japan's ancient capital on foot. Over the years the event has emphasized mass participation and sightseeing, giving recreational runners a chance to tour Kyoto's iconic landmarks while competing in a well-organized road race. The course threads through Kyoto's most famous vistas — past the winding Kamo River, historic neighborhoods, and temple-lined avenues, with views of Kiyomizu-dera, the Heian Shrine, and other UNESCO-associated sites depending on the exact route used that year. Runners enjoy tree-lined streets, riverfront stretches, and cheering spectators in traditional attire; the route is relatively flat with a few gentle undulations, making it friendly for both first-time marathoners and those seeking a BQ attempt. The finish typically offers a celebratory festival atmosphere with local food, music, and cultural displays that reflect Kyoto's heritage. The Kyoto Marathon course is AIMS-certified and accepted for Boston Marathon qualifying purposes. Race organization focuses on strong aid station support, clear course signage, and efficient baggage and transport logistics, creating a comfortable and memorable race-day experience that balances competitive ambition with cultural sightseeing.

Jun 18, 2026: Kyoto Marathon 2027 event information released
The official Kyoto Marathon 2027 website published event information on June 18, 2026, confirming the race date as Sunday February 21, 2027. The official website was first launched on June 9, 2026. Lottery and registration details were not yet published as of June 23, 2026.
Jun 9, 2026: Kyoto Marathon 2027 official website launched
Organizers opened the Kyoto Marathon 2027 official website on June 9, 2026, marking the start of pre-registration communications for the next edition. The 2026 edition (held February 15, 2026) has concluded; the 2027 edition is scheduled for February 21, 2027.

2025 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Kyoto Imperial Palace – Runners pass by the historic former residence of the Imperial family surrounded by expansive gardens
02Kamo River (Kamogawa) – A scenic riverside stretch used for flat, fast running with views of local life and bridges
03Gion District – The traditional entertainment district where runners pass wooden machiya houses and may spot geisha in the streets
04Heian Shrine – Notable large torii and colorful shrine grounds near the eastern part of Kyoto, a scenic point on the course
05Kiyomizu-dera (views near the approach) – The famous hilltop temple area and panoramic city views visible from the route approaches
06Fushimi Inari Taisha (course vicinity) – Iconic vermilion torii gates and shrine approach near the southern part of the city along the route
07Kyoto Station – Major transport hub and landmark, often used near the start/finish area for spectator and runner access
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration (Lottery)
Time-qualifying (Seeded) Entry
Charity Entry
Tour Operator / Package Entry
Corporate Entry
Wheelchair / Para Entry
Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older on race day
Complete official online registration and pay entry fee by the stated deadline
Entrants accepted by lottery or by meeting published guaranteed-entry qualifying standards
Provide accurate personal and emergency-contact information; medical declaration required at registration
Must comply with official race rules, marshals and signage; no unauthorized pacing or assistance
Wear the official race bib and timing chip supplied by organizers for the entire race
Respect health and safety instructions; organizers may disqualify runners deemed unfit to continue
Finish within the official course cutoff times (subject to organizer announcement)
International entrants must present valid passport or ID when collecting race materials
No refunds, transfers, or deferrals except as stated in the official event policy
Required Documents: Photo ID (passport or Japanese residence card)
Proof of age (passport or official ID)
Medical certificate or self-declaration of fitness to run
Emergency contact information
Signed race waiver/consent form
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds after registration and payment are completed
Entries are non-transferable to another person
Deferrals to a future year are not permitted
If the organizer cancels the event, participants will be offered a full refund or deferred entry at the organizer's discretion
No refunds for medical withdrawal or failure to start

01: The Kyoto Marathon course weaves through the city and passes many historic landmarks including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine and stretches along the Kamo River, offering a uniquely scenic tour of the city's temples and traditional neighborhoods.
02: Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and the event typically offers on-site post-race food and warm beverages; there is also an expo in the days before the race showcasing local vendors and official merchandise.
03: The race awards prize money to top finishers and age-group awards, and past editions have featured competitive international and Japanese elite fields (course record holders vary by year).
04: Runners should rely on public transportation to reach the start, since parking is very limited; expect cold February conditions.
05: Aid stations are spaced roughly every 3–4 km, with bag-drop and transfer services at the start and finish.

Questions about the Kyoto Marathon 2027

When is the Kyoto Marathon 2027?

Sunday, February 21, 2027.

Where is the Kyoto Marathon?

Kyoto, Japan.

What time does the Kyoto Marathon start?

The race starts at 8:00 AM, local time.

What is the Kyoto Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the Kyoto Marathon 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Ways in: Online Registration (Lottery); Time-qualifying (Seeded) Entry; Charity Entry; Tour Operator / Package Entry.

How much does the Kyoto Marathon 2027 cost?

General Entry (Lottery): ¥18,000. International Runner Entry: ¥25,000.

What is the Kyoto Marathon elevation gain?

120 m (394 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +15 m (49 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Kyoto Marathon course like?

It passes Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kamo River (Kamogawa) and Gion District. Course map

What is the weather like at the Kyoto Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 1–10 °C (34–50 °F). Feels cold.

How many runners does the Kyoto Marathon have?

17,000 participants. Major marathon.

Is the Kyoto Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer394ft gain, 43°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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