Okayama Marathon
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Okayama Castle
Asahi River
Korakuen Garden
Konan Bridge
Shigeto Arena Okayama (start) / JFE Hareno Kuni Stadium (finish)
JP
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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
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
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable per official guidelines
Race may be shortened or cancelled for severe weather
Special sponsor: Ishikawa Holdings
Official sponsors include Toyota, Lawson, Otsuka (Pocari Sweat), and Mizuno
First held in 2014
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Community
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