Nara Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
37–54°F · Feels cold
Total elevation gain
Challenging elevation · Net elevation change +0 ft
Participants
Large field
Crowd Rating
Excellent spectator turnout
The Lowdown
The Nara Marathon is an AIMS-certified marathon held each December in Nara, the ancient former capital of Japan and now a UNESCO World Heritage city. The race starts and finishes at Rohto Field Nara (Konoike Athletics Stadium) and winds through Nara Park, home to more than 1,400 free-roaming sacred deer, passing near the historic Todai-ji Temple and other UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way. The course is notably hilly for a city marathon, with a total elevation gain of roughly 365 meters (1,200 feet) and demanding climbs around the 16-19 km and 29-31 km marks, plus a final ascent near the 41 km point. Race weekend also includes a Mini Nara Marathon on the Saturday, plus a World Heritage 10K and a Pair Relay Marathon held alongside the full marathon on Sunday. The marathon has an 11,750-runner capacity, a 6-hour time limit with eight intermediate cut-off points, and finishers receive a medal, towel, and time certificate. Entry is open to runners who will be 18 or older on race day, with an additional allowance for international entrants living outside Japan.
Questions about the Nara Marathon 2026
When is the Nara Marathon 2026?
Sunday, December 13, 2026.
What time does the Nara Marathon start?
The race starts at 9:00 AM, local time.
What is the Nara Marathon time limit?
6 hours.
How do I enter the Nara Marathon 2026?
Registration is closed. Ways in: Online registration via RUNNET (ランネット), credit card or convenience-store payment.
What is the Nara Marathon course like?
365 m of total elevation gain. It passes Nara Park (deer encounters near the 10 km point), Todai-ji Temple and Rohto Field Nara (Konoike Athletics Stadium).
What is the weather like at the Nara Marathon?
Race-day temperatures are usually 3–12 °C (37–54 °F).
Is the Nara Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.
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