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Okayama Marathon

November 8, 2026 · 8:45 AMOkayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

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Race snapshot

Race Day

58°F

52–66°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

164ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

15K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

3/ 10

Moderate spectator support

The Lowdown

The Okayama Marathon is an annual city marathon through Okayama, Japan, run on a JAAF (Japan Athletics Association) certified, largely flat loop course past landmarks including Okayama Castle, the Asahi River, and Korakuen Garden. First held in 2014, the race caps the marathon field at 15,000 runners (split between a local-resident priority frame, a general lottery frame, and a furusato-tax frame) plus a 5.6K Fun Run. Entry to the 2026 edition, on November 8, 2026, was allocated by lottery, with the general-frame application window closing May 18, 2026 and results announced in June; entries for this edition are now closed. The course carries a total elevation gain of roughly 50 meters, with the only notable rise being the Konan Bridge after the 30K mark, making it a popular target for personal bests and Boston-qualifying times. The marathon has a 6-hour cutoff (5.2K/1-hour cutoff for the Fun Run). Sponsors include Ishikawa Holdings as special sponsor, alongside Toyota, Lawson, Otsuka (Pocari Sweat), and Mizuno.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Lottery for local-resident and general frames
First-come-first-served for overseas and furusato-tax (hometown tax) frames, via the Lawson DO! SPORTS platform
Eligibility: Must be born on or before April 1, 2008 (18 or older on race day)
Must be able to finish within the 6-hour cutoff
Required Documents: Government-issued photo ID at bib pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable per official guidelines
Race may be shortened or cancelled for severe weather

Questions about the Okayama Marathon 2026

When is the Okayama Marathon 2026?

Sunday, November 8, 2026.

What time does the Okayama Marathon start?

The race starts at 8:45 AM, local time.

What is the Okayama Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Okayama Marathon 2026?

Registration is closed. Jun 23, 2026: Furusato-tax entry closes. Jun 16, 2026: General lottery results announced. May 18, 2026: General entry closes. Ways in: Lottery for local-resident and general frames; First-come-first-served for overseas and furusato-tax (hometown tax) frames, via the Lawson DO! SPORTS platform.

What is the Okayama Marathon course like?

50 m of total elevation gain. It passes Okayama Castle, Asahi River and Korakuen Garden.

What is the weather like at the Okayama Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 11–19 °C (52–66 °F).

Is the Okayama 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 Analyzer164ft gain, 58°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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