Nara Marathon 2026 – Japan

• December 12, 2026
  Event date:
• December 13, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect

Nara Marathon is an annual marathon sporting event for men and women over the classic distance of 42.195 kilometres which is held on the second Sunday of December in Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is one of Nara Prefecture’s biggest annual sporting and tourism showcases, combining world-renowned cultural heritage with a challenging yet rewarding road race that promotes sports and attractions of Nara through marathon.

The race starts and finishes at Rohto Field Nara, also known as Nara City Konoike Athletics Stadium and Naraden Field, and after the course passes through Nara and Tenri cities, comes back and finishes at the same stadium. The course takes runners through numerous world-renowned locations in Nara, including the Heijo Palace Site, Suzakumon Gate, and historic streets lined with temples and shrines.

Organized by the Nara Marathon Executive Committee involving Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Tenri City, and the Nara Athletic Association, and supervised by Nara Athletics Association, the event is certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and AIMS. It is a Wanda Age Group World Rankings eligible race for runners 40 and older under Abbott World Marathon Majors system, where runners achieving qualifying standard are invited to World Championships in respective age groups.

Expect a race that integrates variety of world-famous cultural and historical sites into course, with substantial mid-race climbing through rural stretches and city roads. The course has some steep sections, but race offers generous time limit that makes it accessible for first-time marathoners while still challenging for experienced runners seeking personal best on certified course.

The event includes multiple competitions: Full Marathon, Pair Relay Marathon for teams of two, World Heritage 10K, and Mini Nara Marathon for families and beginners, creating festival atmosphere over two-day weekend.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: December 12–13, 2026

Event Name: Nara Marathon 2026

Organizer: Nara Marathon Organizing Committee

Co-organizers: Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Tenri City and Nara Newspaper

Supervisor: Nara Athletics Association

Partners: Nara Prefecture Board of Education, Nara Sports Association and Community Sports Commissioners Nara

Supporters: Nara City Fire Department, Nara Prefecture Regional Fire Service Association and Japanese Red Cross Society Nara Prefecture Office

Event Date and Time Structure Based on Official Outline:
Mini Nara Marathon: Saturday, December 12th, 2026, 2:00 pm
Marathon 42.195km: Sunday, December 13th, 2026, 9:00 am
Pair Relay Marathon 42.2km: Sunday, December 13th, 2026, 9:00 am
World Heritage 10K: Sunday, December 13th, 2026, 9:30 am

Packet Pick-up: Saturday, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rohto Field Nara, Konoike Athletics Stadium. Runner’s packet including athlete bibs provided. Packet pick-up available only on times mentioned on Saturday. No participants allowed to run without checking in.

Official Website: https://www.nara-marathon.jp/

Contact: athletic@nara-marathon.jp, +81 742 81 8752

Exact traffic restrictions and access information announced via official site and local tourism sites closer to event.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Main Venue: Rohto Field Nara, Nara City Konoike Athletics Stadium, 4-5-1 Horensahoyama, Nara, 630-8108 Nara Prefecture Japan. Also referred to as Naraden Field and Konoike Athletic Stadium. This is Nara City’s primary athletics stadium with track and field facilities, hosting start and finish for all races.

Course Layout: Marathon course starts and finishes at Naraden Field. Turn-around point is located in Tenri City. Course is certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and AIMS, ensuring accurate distance for record purposes. Course takes runners through numerous world-renowned locations including Heijo Palace Site, Suzakumon Gate, and historic Nara city streets.

Cut-off Points Structure: Marathon features 8 cut-off points at 5.4km in front of Suzakumon Gate, 10.6km at Nara Kotsu Takabatake Coach Yard, 15.7km east of Kubonoshocho-minami Intersection, 20.0km at intersection at north end of Shirakawa Ohashi Bridge, 25.8km north end of Warakubashi Bridge, 30.5km Shirakawa central promenade south gate, 34.4km east of Yamamura-cho bus stop, and 38.0km at Nara Kotsu Takabatake Coach Yard, with final finish at 42.195km inside stadium.

Relay Point: Pair Relay Marathon relay point at 25.7km at Tenri-kyo Minami 1 Parking.

10K Cut-off: World Heritage 10K cut-off at 7.5km in front of Todaijigakuen Kindergarten.

Starting Lines: For smooth and safe operation, participants of full marathon, pair relay marathon and 10K race start in blocks according to estimated finish times reported in applications. Those who do not fill out estimated finish time placed in last block.

Full fixture or event schedule

Weekend Schedule:

Saturday – Packet Pick-up and Mini Marathon:
Morning to evening packet pick-up at Rohto Field Nara for all Sunday races, with runner’s packet including athlete bibs provided. Mini Nara Marathon check-in ends at 1:10 pm. Mini Nara Marathon solo and pair categories start early afternoon, offering 2km x 2 relay format for families and beginners with 60 minutes time limit.

Sunday – Main Race Day:
Early morning venue opens for warm-up and call room procedures. Marathon and Pair Relay Marathon start at same time in morning, followed by World Heritage 10K start 30 minutes later. Runners proceed through city toward Tenri and back. Finish line closes mid-afternoon, approximately 6 hours after marathon start for full marathon, 95 minutes for 10K with one cut-off point.

Timing: Competition uses net time, time from each runner’s start line crossing to finish line crossing, as official record for awards. Official record certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations is gross time from gun start to finish line crossing.

Emergency Procedures: In case of emergency vehicle traffic or other reasons deemed necessary by organizers, runners may be instructed to temporarily stop or change course. Runners who fail to pass cut-off points before closing time or do not finish within time limit are disqualified and asked to leave race via official race bus.

Teams, athletes & participants

Marathon 42.195km: Capacity 11,750 participants. Eligibility for international runners includes those who live outside Japan and were born on or before April 1st of designated year, typically 18 years or older. Time limit 6 hours with 8 cut-off points. Participation prize includes T-shirts and running socks plus finisher’s towel and medal for finishers.

Pair Relay Marathon 42.2km: Capacity 250 pairs, total 500 participants. Team of two runners sharing marathon distance with relay at 25.7km point. No awards given, but finisher’s certificate available for download and finisher medal and towel if either runner completes section.

World Heritage 10K: Capacity 4,000 runners. Two categories: those born between specific years for youth category and those born on or before April 1st for adult category. Time limit 95 minutes with 1 cut-off point.

Mini Nara Marathon 2K x 2: Solo category capacity 1,500 with 60 minutes time limit, eligibility those who live outside Japan and are over 6 years old. Pair relay category 100 pairs, 200 participants. Sports towel as participation prize, no times recorded or awarded but special awards prepared.

International Runners: All competitions open to international runners who live outside Japan, with specific age eligibility per category, making event popular for overseas runners seeking cultural marathon experience.

Wanda Age Group World Rankings: Marathon participates as eligible event for Wanda Age Group World Rankings by Abbott World Marathon Majors, 5-year age-group ranking system for runners aged 40 and over, providing pathway to World Championships.

Tournament format & competition structure

Format: Road race on paved roads, 100% paved terrain, with rolling elevation including substantial mid-race climbing. Course certified for records.

Marathon Format: Single loop from Nara to Tenri and back, combining temples, city roads, rural stretches. Starts at Konoike Park, turns around in Tenri City, returns to same stadium. Net time used for awards, gross time for official JAAF certification.

Relay Format: Pair relay marathon where first runner covers approximately 25.7km to Tenri-kyo Minami 1 Parking relay point, second runner covers remaining 16.5km back to stadium. Certificate only issued if both runners finish, but medal and towel awarded if either completes section.

10K Format: Point-to-point with some loop, starting at same stadium, turning around, finishing back at stadium, with one cut-off point at 7.5km.

Awards Structure: Marathon and 10K awards for fastest 8 runners overall, plus fastest 3 runners from each age category: 29 years old or younger, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70 years old or older. Finisher’s certificate with finishing time given to completers, finisher’s towel and medal for marathon finishers.

Processing Fee: Additional entry processing fee charged on top of participation fee. Participation fee includes accident insurance, coverage limited to insurance policy obtained by event organizer.

Match/event times

Typical Race Day Timeline Based on Official Outline:

Early Morning: Venue opens for warm-up, baggage drop, and call room.

9:00 AM: Marathon and Pair Relay Marathon start simultaneously at Rohto Field Nara.

9:30 AM: World Heritage 10K starts, 30 minutes after marathon.

Cut-off Closures: Progressive cut-off closures at 10:07 at 5.4km, 10:47 at 10.6km, 11:27 at 15.7km, 12:01 at 20.0km, 12:46 at 25.8km, 13:23 at 30.5km, 13:54 at 34.4km, 14:22 at 38.0km, with final finish closure at 15:00 for marathon and 11:05 for 10K.

Relay Cut-off: Relay point closes at 12:35.

Afternoon: Award ceremonies, finisher certificate downloads available after race.

Ticket types

Nara Marathon does not use traditional spectator tickets as roadside viewing is free, but participation fees apply for runners.

Participation Fees Converted to USD:

Marathon 42.195km: 18,000 Yen, approximately $120. Includes T-shirts and running socks, finisher towel and medal. Additional processing fee charged.

Pair Relay Marathon 42.2km: 33,000 Yen per pair, approximately $220. No awards but finisher certificates and medals per completion rules.

World Heritage 10K Adult: 9,000 Yen, approximately $60, for those born on or before April 1st of designated year. Youth category 7,000 Yen, approximately $47, for those born between April 2nd, 2008 to April 1st, 2011 in recent edition.

Mini Nara Marathon Solo: 3,500 Yen, approximately $23. Includes sports towel.

Mini Nara Marathon Pair: 5,500 Yen per pair, approximately $37. Sports towel.

Previous Edition Pricing: In 2016, full marathon entry was 8,600 Yen, 10K adults 4,300 Yen, high school students 2,800 Yen, 3km 500 Yen, showing gradual increase over years due to expanded services.

Spectator Access: Free and open to public along entire course, including prime viewing at Heijo Palace Site, Suzakumon Gate, and around Konoike Stadium. No ticket required for roadside viewing.

Registration Portal: Entries via JTB Sports Station, first come first served basis, opening typically in June.

Ticket release phases

Entry Outline Announcement: Outlines announced via official website in spring, including capacity, fees, and eligibility.

Registration Opening: Entries for Nara Marathon open on Saturday in late June on first come first served basis via JTB Sports Station.

First Come First Served: Marathon capped at 11,750, pair relay at 250 teams, World Heritage 10K at 4,000 runners, making early application important as race is one of Nara Prefecture’s biggest annual showcases.

Packet Pick-up Phase: Mandatory packet pick-up on Saturday before race at Rohto Field Nara from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., mini marathon check-in ends at 1:10 pm. No participants allowed to run without checking in.

International Runner Window: International runner eligibility checked during registration, with support for those living outside Japan.

VIP & hospitality options

Stadium Hospitality: Rohto Field Nara offers indoor lounge areas for elite athletes and invited guests with live results feed.

Sponsor Hospitality: Nara Newspaper and local sponsors host hospitality areas near start and finish with traditional Nara hospitality.

Cultural Hospitality: Nara City provides tourism information, cultural exhibitions, and local product sales in packet pick-up area and along course.

Elite Athlete Support: Elite runners receive dedicated call room, warm-up area, and post-race recovery services.

Wanda Age Group: Runners 40 and older receive additional ranking services through Abbott World Marathon Majors partnership.

Stadium & event rules

Certification: Course certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and AIMS for record purposes.

Time Limits: Marathon 6 hours with 8 cut-off points, 10K 95 minutes with 1 cut-off point, Mini Nara 60 minutes. Runners who lag excessively behind closing time pace, clearly cannot make it to next cut-off point, affect schedule for traffic restrictions, or clearly unable to finish may be asked to leave race by physicians or race officials.

Net vs Gross Time: Net time from each runner’s start line crossing to finish line crossing used as official record for awards, gross time from gun start used for JAAF official record.

Emergency Rules: In case of emergency vehicle traffic, runners may be instructed to temporarily stop or change course. Must follow all instructions if asked to leave, remove timing chip, move to next designated cut-off point or finish site using official race bus or walking.

Insurance: Participation fee includes accident insurance, coverage limited to insurance policy obtained by event organizer.

Awards: Fastest 8 runners overall plus fastest 3 per age category recognized. Finisher’s certificate with finishing time given to completers. Special awards prepared for Mini Marathon, details announced on official website.

How to get there

Address: Rohto Field Nara, Nara City Konoike Athletics Stadium, 4-5-1 Horensahoyama, Nara, 630-8108 Nara Prefecture Japan.

Nearest Stations: Kintetsu Nara Station, 20 minutes walk, 1.6km from venue. JR Nara Station, 30 minutes walk, 2.4km from venue. Shuttle buses typically operate on race day from both stations to stadium due to traffic restrictions.

From Osaka: From Osaka Namba, take Kintetsu Nara Line direct to Kintetsu Nara Station, about 35 minutes, then walk or shuttle to venue.

From Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take JR Nara Line to JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Kintetsu Nara, about 45 to 60 minutes.

From Airport: From Kansai International Airport, take JR Haruka or Nankai to Tennoji then transfer, or Kintetsu Airport Express via Osaka, total about 90 minutes to Nara.

Race Day Access: Extensive traffic restrictions in effect on surrounding roads due to main venue being Rohto Field Nara located near museum areas and Heijo Palace Site. Use public transport and shuttle buses.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Strongly Recommended: Nara Marathon takes place on Sunday with extensive traffic restrictions around Konoike Park, Heijo Palace Site, and roads to Tenri City. Main venue near museum means surrounding roads closed from early morning.

Train: Kintetsu Nara Line and JR Nara Line operate with increased frequency on race morning. Shuttle buses from Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station to Rohto Field Nara.

Bus: Nara City buses diverted due to course, check Nara Kotsu website for race day diversions.

Parking: No official event parking at Rohto Field Nara due to race operations. Nara Prison Museum area and surrounding coin parking closed or inaccessible due to restrictions. Avoid driving.

Taxi: Taxis cannot enter restricted area near stadium during closures, drop-off points outside closure zones required.

Accessibility Transport: Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station have elevators. Rohto Field Nara is barrier-free with accessible restrooms.

Accommodation areas

Best Areas to Stay:

Nara City Center near Kintetsu Nara Station: Closest area with business hotels such as APA Hotel Kintetsu Nara, Hotel Nikko Nara, and Nara Hotel ranging $70 to $150 per night. Walking distance or shuttle to venue, ideal for early race morning.

JR Nara Station Area: Hotels like JR-West Hotels and local business hotels ranging $60 to $120 per night, with easy access to shuttle buses.

Tenri City Area: For those wanting to stay near turnaround point, limited business hotels available, but Nara City center more convenient.

Budget Options: Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel, and guesthouses near Nara Station offer $40 to $70 per night.

Cultural Stay: Traditional ryokan and guesthouses near Nara Park offer cultural experience with deer and temple views, ranging $80 to $200 per night.

Book at least two months in advance as Nara Marathon weekend is one of biggest annual sporting and tourism showcases and coincides with autumn foliage season tourism.

Food & drink at the venue

Inside Rohto Field Nara: Stadium concourse offers bento boxes, hot drinks, and snacks on race day, with heated indoor areas for spectators and runners post-race.

Nara Park Area: Food stalls set up in Nara Park and around Konoike area offering Nara specialties such as kakinoha sushi, miwa somen, and warm noodles, allowing spectators to enjoy local cuisine while watching.

Course Support: Official water and sports drink stations every few kilometers, plus personal drink tables for elite runners at designated stations.

Post-Race: Athlete refreshment area with recovery drinks and light food, plus finisher’s towel and medal for marathon completers.

Local Cuisine: Nara City offers many restaurants near Kintetsu Nara Station serving traditional Nara cuisine, accessible after race.

Accessibility

Venue Accessibility: Rohto Field Nara is fully barrier-free with elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair spaces in stands.

Course Viewing Accessibility: Most roadside viewing points accessible via flat sidewalks, though crowds can be dense near Heijo Palace Site and Suzakumon Gate. Early arrival recommended for wheelchair users.

Accessible Participation: Mini Nara Marathon offers accessible distance for beginners and families.

Contact for Accessibility: Contact Nara Marathon office via athletic@nara-marathon.jp or +81 742 81 8752 for specific accessibility needs.

Best matches/events to attend

Marathon Start and Finish at Rohto Field Nara: Best place to feel elite atmosphere, watch mass start of 11,750 runners, and see dramatic finish inside stadium with track finish.

Heijo Palace Site: World Heritage site along course, offering most culturally significant viewing point where runners pass historic palace remains.

Suzakumon Gate: Iconic gate at 5.4km cut-off point, beautiful backdrop for photos and first major crowd support area.

Tenri City Turnaround: Turnaround point at Tenri-kyo Minami Parking area, where relay exchange occurs and runners begin return journey, offering chance to see leaders and final participants.

World Heritage 10K: Ideal for those wanting shorter distance but still experiencing same start and finish atmosphere at Rohto Field Nara, with faster pace and 95 minute limit.

Previous year’s highlights

Growth: Nara Marathon has grown to become one of Nara Prefecture’s biggest annual sporting and tourism showcases, capping marathon at 11,750 entrants, pair relay at 250 teams, and World Heritage 10K at 4,000 runners.

Course Reputation: Race integrates variety of world-famous cultural and historical sites including Heijo Palace Site into course, promoting sports and attractions of Nara through marathon. Marathon course starts and finishes at Naraden Field with turnaround in Tenri City, certified for records.

Community Impact: Organized by Nara Marathon Executive Committee involving Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Tenri City, and Nara Athletic Association, race promotes local tourism and community engagement with extensive volunteer support.

Wanda Age Group: Participation as eligible event for Wanda Age Group World Rankings by Abbott World Marathon Majors has attracted international runners aged 40 and older seeking World Championships qualification.

Cultural Festival: Mini Nara Marathon for families and beginners adds festival atmosphere, with sports towels and special awards, making weekend accessible for all ages including those over 6 years old.

Official tickets

Official Website: https://www.nara-marathon.jp/

Entry Outline: https://www.nara-marathon.jp/lang/en/guidelines.html

Entry Portal: JTB Sports Station registration page, open when ready via official site

Contact: athletic@nara-marathon.jp, +81 742 81 8752, naramarathon_official social media

Organizer: Nara Marathon Organizing Committee, co-organizers Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Tenri City and Nara Newspaper, supervisor Nara Athletics Association

Packet Pick-up: Rohto Field Nara, Konoike Athletics Stadium, mandatory on Saturday before race

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