Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon 2027 – Japan

• April 18, 2027
  Event date:
• April 18, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Japan’s Lakeside and Inclusion Classic: Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon is one of Japan’s oldest and most distinctive long-distance events. It is run together with an International Blind Marathon sanctioned by the Japan Blind Marathon Association, Japan Para Sports Association and Japanese Paralympic Committee, making it a pioneer for inclusive running in Asia. The event is organized by the Kasumigaura Marathon Organizing Committee, Tsuchiura City, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Athletics Association, Mainichi Newspapers and Sports Nippon, and managed by Ibaraki Athletic Sport Association.

Scenic Flat Course Around Japan’s Second Largest Lake: The course is set around Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan, with a wide, flat and fast profile classified as flat by Runna and most running platforms. The marathon course starts and finishes in Kawaguchi Athletic Park and circles the shore of the lake with the halfway point near Kasumigaura City Museum. The route offers open lake views, rice fields, cherry blossom lined embankments and the distant mountains of Mount Tsukuba. Unlike urban marathons, the charm here is rural, quiet and supported by local volunteers.

Multiple Distances for Everyone: In addition to the full marathon certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations, the event offers a certified 10-mile run of approximately 16.09 km and a 5 km run, plus a walking event of approximately 16 km in some years. This makes it suitable for first-time runners, families and competitive runners aiming for a fast spring time.

Warm Local Hospitality: Runners consistently describe the support as warm and personal, with neighborhood associations, school brass bands and volunteer groups cheering along the entire lakeside. The participation prize reflects local culture, including an original race shoulder pouch or local specialty, Bishoku Rice made with 100 percent local Koshihikari brown rice, and for finishers a 100-year-old wooden barrel-brewed soy sauce Shiho Freshness Preservation Bottle 200 ml.

Charity and Environment: Two hundred yen from every entry fee is used for Lake Kasumigaura Water Purification Fund and as a subsidy for guide dog training, connecting your run directly to environmental protection and para sport development.

Match/event dates

Event Dates:

• Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon 2027 Full Marathon: April 18, 2027
• Kasumigaura Marathon 2027 10-Mile Run: April 18, 2027
• Kasumigaura Marathon 2027 5 km Run: April 18, 2027
• Check-in and Information Desk: Race morning 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at B Sub Baseball Field next to Kawaguchi Athletic Park
• Race Guide Distribution: Via email in early April

All date information is contained only in this section.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Main Venue: Athletics stadium of Kawaguchi Athletic Park, officially named J:COM Field Tsuchiura, located in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture. About a five-minute walk from the east exit of JR Tsuchiura Station on the JR Joban Line, and about 15 minutes by car from Sakuratsuchiura IC or Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway.

Course Layout: The marathon course starts and finishes in Kawaguchi Athletic Park. From the stadium, runners head out toward the lake, circle the shore of Lake Kasumigaura with the halfway point at Kasumigaura City Museum, and return to the stadium. The course is certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and is point-to-loop with flat terrain.

Sub Venue: B Sub Baseball Field next to Kawaguchi Athletic Park serves as information desk, check-in location and baggage area on race morning.

Facilities: Kawaguchi Athletic Stadium provides grandstand seating for family, changing tents, medical tents, toilets, baggage storage and award ceremony stage. The park area includes food stalls with local specialties and sponsor booths. The stadium infield is used for finish line chute and finisher prize distribution.

Full fixture or event schedule

Race Morning Schedule:

• 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM: Check-in at Information Desk in B Sub Baseball Field next to Kawaguchi Athletic Park. Collection of number card, timing chip and final instructions. No prior day collection for general categories.
• 9:20 AM: Start of 10-mile race approx. 16.09 km certified from Kawaguchi Athletic Stadium. Time limit 2 hours.
• 9:50 AM: Start of Full Marathon 42.195 km certified from same stadium. Time limit 6 hours with intermediate cut-offs at around 17 km until 12:15 and around 28.5 km until 14:10 for blind marathon divisions, similar enforcement for general.
• 10:30 AM: Start of 5 km race from same venue. Time limit 40 minutes.

After Start:

• Runners proceed from stadium onto city roads, then onto lakeside roads circling Lake Kasumigaura. Aid stations with water, sports drink and light food every few kilometers.
• Halfway point at Kasumigaura City Museum area with cheering and timing mat.
• Final kilometers return through Tsuchiura city streets toward Kawaguchi Athletic Park.
• Finish inside Kawaguchi Athletic Park Athletics Stadium J:COM Field Tsuchiura with finisher chute, medal and prize distribution.

Post-Finish: Finisher prize distribution at main venue on the day, including Bishoku Rice and soy sauce bottle for marathon finishers, participation pouch or local specialty for all participants, award ceremony for top 3 in each category, outstanding athletes receiving Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, and outstanding escort runners award for B1, B2 divisions in blind marathon.

Teams, athletes & participants

General Divisions: Full marathon male and female age 16 or older, 10-mile male and female age 16 or older, 5 km male and female age 16 or older, walking approx. 16 km where offered. Capacity for general division is 18,000 for full marathon first-come first-served, 5,000 for 10-mile first-come first-served, with additional caps for 5 km and walking.

International Blind Marathon Divisions: Full marathon 42.195 km certified for visually impaired persons or IPC-registered individuals, 10-mile certified for visually impaired persons, 5 km for visually impaired persons. General division divided into three vision classifications B1, B2, B3 based on vision and field of vision. No capacity limit for blind divisions in recent editions, encouraging broad inclusion.

Elite and IPC Registered: For IPC-registered divisions, only results and records of athletes who have completed IPC athlete license registration and hold an international class are eligible for WPA official recognition. This attracts national team level blind runners and their guide runners.

Athlete Mix: The field includes Japanese citizen runners targeting fast spring times, Ibaraki local running clubs, high school and university runners in 10-mile and 5 km, blind runners with escort runners connected by tether, charity runners and overseas runners via Run Japan. The event is known as a favorite among runners who dislike big city crowds.

Tournament format & competition structure

Concurrent Format: The event holds general marathon and International Blind Marathon concurrently on same course and same start times, with separate classifications but shared course management.

Distance Structure: Full marathon 42.195 km certified, 10-mile approx. 16.09 km certified, 5 km, and walking approx. 16 km in some years. Each participant may register for only one category.

Blind Marathon Structure: Full marathon blind category time limit 6 hours with intermediate checks, 10-mile blind 2 hours, 5 km blind 40 minutes. Escort runners run alongside visually impaired runners, with awards for outstanding escort runners in B1, B2 categories.

Award Structure: General Division and IPC Registered Division award top 3 finishers in each category men and women. Outstanding athletes receive Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. No large prize money, focus is on participation and inclusion.

Course Management: Course circles Lake Kasumigaura with halfway at Kasumigaura City Museum. Managed by Ibaraki Athletic Sport Association with certified measurement. Flat elevation profile, road surface, minimal climbs.

Match/event times

Start Times: 10-mile race starts at 9:20 AM, full marathon at 9:50 AM, 5 km at 10:30 AM, all from Kawaguchi Athletic Stadium. Please confirm final start times on official site as they can be updated in race guide.

Time Limits: Full marathon 6 hours overall, with intermediate cut-offs at approximately 17 km until early afternoon and 28.5 km until mid-afternoon for operational safety. 10-mile 2 hours, 5 km 40 minutes. Walking approx. 16 km where offered has 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on edition.

Check-In Window: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM on race morning at B Sub Baseball Field information desk. Early arrival recommended due to shuttle bus queues from parking.

Finish Window: Finish line inside Kawaguchi Athletic Park Athletics Stadium remains open until overall cut-off, with award ceremony starting after top finishers arrive and continuing into early afternoon.

Ticket types

Full Marathon General: $80.00 USD. Based on official 12,000 JPY for both general and blind marathon full distance. Includes number card, timing chip, official running T-shirt and finish certificate, participation prize of original race shoulder pouch or local specialty, Bishoku Rice, and for finishers 100-year-old wooden barrel-brewed soy sauce bottle 200 ml. Includes 200 yen donation to Lake Kasumigaura water purification and guide dog training subsidy.

10-Mile Run General: $60.00 USD. Based on official 9,000 JPY. Includes T-shirt, certificate, participation prize and finisher prize where applicable. Certified course, time limit 2 hours.

5 km Run General: $40.00 USD. Based on official 6,000 JPY. Includes T-shirt, certificate and participation prize. Time limit 40 minutes.

Walking Approx. 16 km: $32.00 USD. Based on official 4,800 JPY where offered. Includes T-shirt and certificate, leisurely pace.

International Blind Marathon Same Pricing: Full marathon blind $80.00 USD, 10-mile blind $60.00 USD, 5 km blind $40.00 USD. Includes same prizes plus eligibility for Minister Award and outstanding escort runner award.

Historical Reference: Earlier editions listed 9,000 yen for full marathon, 7,500 yen for 10-mile, showing gradual increase to current 12,000 and 9,000 yen due to operational costs.

Ticket release phases

General Entry Period: Opens at 10:00 AM JST on December 1 and closes at 23:59 on January 25, first-come first-served basis via official website www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp and Run Japan portal for overseas. Capacity for full marathon general 18,000 and 10-mile 5,000, both fill early in recent years.

International Blind Marathon Entry Period: Same window as general entry, December 1 10:00 to January 25 23:59. No capacity limit for blind divisions, but early entry recommended for escort runner matching and classification.

Overseas Entry via Run Japan: Same period, with English guidance, credit card payment accepted, PayPal not available in some countries. Race guide sent via email in early April.

Race Morning Check-In: No lottery, no separate bib collection day for general, check-in only on race morning 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at information desk. For IPC-registered divisions, additional classification check may be required.

Parking Application: Temporary parking at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground with 1,000 cars capacity, free parking fee, free shuttle bus from temporary parking lot to main venue. No advance reservation needed, first-come.

VIP & hospitality options

No Commercial VIP Ticket: Event does not sell premium grandstand seats. Hospitality is community-based and inclusive.

Participation Prize Choice: Runners can choose between original race shoulder pouch or local specialty at main venue on the day, plus Bishoku Rice made with 100 percent local Koshihikari brown rice. Finisher’s prize of 100-year-old wooden barrel-brewed soy sauce adds local hospitality touch.

Escort Runner Support: For blind marathon, outstanding escort runners receive dedicated award, and escort runners are provided with matching number cards and support.

Shuttle and Parking Hospitality: Free parking at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground and free shuttle bus from temporary parking lot to Kawaguchi Athletic Park provide easy access. Five-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit also makes train access simple.

JTB and Local Hotel Packages: While not official VIP, JTB and local hotels offer accommodation plus entry support packages, typically from $150.00 USD to $300.00 USD per night including breakfast and early transfer.

Stadium & event rules

One Category Only: Each participant may register for only one category. Multiple entries not allowed.

Vision Classification: General blind category divided into B1, B2, B3 based on vision and field of vision. IPC-registered division requires valid IPC athlete license and international class for WPA recognition.

Escort Runner Rules: Escort runners must be connected via tether or voice guidance, must not pull or push runner, must finish close to paired runner. Outstanding escort runners in B1, B2 receive award.

Time Limit Enforcement: Runners who miss intermediate cut-offs at around 17 km and 28.5 km are stopped and directed to collection vehicles. No continuation after cut-off.

Donation Inclusion: 200 yen of entry fee used for Lake Kasumigaura Water Purification Fund and guide dog training subsidy. This is mandatory inclusion, not optional.

Conduct: No littering outside designated zones, no unauthorized vehicles on course, follow volunteer and police instructions. Number card must be visible front. No proxy running.

Certificate: Official running T-shirt and finish certificate included in entry fee. Finisher prize distributed only on race day at main venue.

How to get there

By Train: JR Joban Line to JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit, then five-minute walk to Kawaguchi Athletic Park. From Tokyo, take Joban Line Limited Express Hitachi or Tokiwa from Ueno or Tokyo Station, about 70 to 80 minutes to Tsuchiura. From Mito or northern Ibaraki, local trains to Tsuchiura. This is the most recommended method due to road closures and limited parking.

By Car: 15 minutes by car from Sakuratsuchiura IC or Tsuchiura-Kita IC on Joban Expressway. Follow signs to Kawaguchi Athletic Park. Parking at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground with 1,000 cars capacity, free, with free shuttle bus to venue. Early arrival needed as lot fills quickly.

By Highway Bus: Direct highway buses from Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit to Tsuchiura Station East Exit run frequently, about 90 minutes, convenient for runners without JR Pass.

For Overseas Runners: From Narita Airport, take JR Narita Line to Nippori then Joban Line to Tsuchiura, or highway bus to Tokyo then to Tsuchiura. From Haneda Airport, monorail to Hamamatsucho then JR to Tokyo then Joban Line.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: Five minutes on foot from JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit to main venue. Trains run frequently on race morning with extra services. Local buses operate on detour due to lake road closures.

Parking: 1,000 cars at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground, free parking fee, free shuttle bus from temporary parking lot to Kawaguchi Athletic Park. No reservation, first-come first-served. Additional city parking near Tsuchiura City Hall with limited spaces.

Shuttle Bus: Free shuttle bus runs from temporary parking lot to main venue continuously from early morning until afternoon. Return shuttle after finish to parking lot.

Bicycle: Bicycle parking near Kawaguchi Athletic Park available, but not inside closed course.

Recommendation: Use train and walk for least stress. If driving, arrive before 7:30 AM check-in start to secure parking and shuttle.

Accommodation areas

Near JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit: Best for race access, five-minute walk to venue. Hotels include Hotel Grand Tsuchiura, Tsuchiura Bay Hotel, Toyoko Inn Tsuchiura-eki Higashi-guchi, all within 5 to 10 minutes walk. Prices from $60.00 USD to $120.00 USD per night for business hotels.

Near Sakuratsuchiura and Tsuchiura-Kita IC: For drivers, hotels near interchange such as Route Inn and APA Hotel offer parking and easy expressway access, prices $70.00 USD to $110.00 USD.

Lake Kasumigaura Area: Lakeside ryokans and minshuku in Kasumigaura City offer quiet stay with lake views, prices $80.00 USD to $150.00 USD including breakfast, good for family.

Tsukuba Area: 20 minutes by train from Tsuchiura, larger city with more hotel options including Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tsukuba, Hotel JAL City Tsukuba, prices $70.00 USD to $130.00 USD. Convenient if combining with sightseeing at Mount Tsukuba.

Booking Tips: Tsuchiura hotels fill quickly for marathon weekend due to 18,000 runner capacity plus blind marathon participants and families. Book early via official site link or Run Japan recommended hotels. Consider staying in Tokyo and taking early train if Tsuchiura is full.

Food & drink at the venue

On Course: Aid stations with water and sports drink every few kilometers, plus light snacks at later stations. Lake Kasumigaura area aid stations often include local products such as pickles and sweets.

At Main Venue: Food stalls inside Kawaguchi Athletic Park offer Tsuchiura local specialties including lotus root dishes, sweet potato, grilled fish from lake, ramen and curry. Bishoku Rice made with local Koshihikari brown rice given as participation prize can be tasted at stalls.

Finisher Prize: 100-year-old wooden barrel-brewed soy sauce Shiho Freshness Preservation Bottle 200 ml for marathon finishers, unique to this marathon and highly valued by runners for home cooking.

In City: Tsuchiura Station area has many restaurants serving ramen, soba, tonkatsu and family restaurants open early for breakfast. Convenience stores near station for pre-race snacks.

For Overseas Runners: Vegetarian options limited on course, but rice, bananas and sports drink safe. Halal and vegan restaurants available near station area with prior search.

Accessibility

Course Accessibility: Flat profile makes it accessible for blind runners with escort runners, with road surface all paved and wide lakeside roads. No steep climbs, minimal elevation.

Blind Marathon Accessibility: Dedicated divisions for visually impaired with B1, B2, B3 classification, escort runners allowed and awarded, IPC-registered division for international class recognition. Information desk provides braille and large print guides on request.

Venue Accessibility: Kawaguchi Athletic Park Athletics Stadium has barrier-free toilets, accessible seating, medical tents and volunteer support for visually impaired. B Sub Baseball Field information desk accessible by paved path from station.

Transport Accessibility: JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit has elevators and escalators, five-minute walk to venue is flat and paved. Free shuttle bus from parking lot has low-floor options.

Language Accessibility: Official website has English page at kasumigaura-marathon.jp/english, Run Japan provides English entry, and volunteer staff include English speakers. Race guide sent via email in early April includes English version.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon General and Blind: Main event, best for fast flat time around lake, inclusive atmosphere and unique finisher soy sauce prize. Ideal for spring personal best and for blind runners seeking WPA recognized time.

10-Mile Run: Best for runners who want certified fast race without full marathon distance. Flat lakeside course, 2-hour limit, suitable for beginners transitioning to half marathon. Popular among local high school and university teams.

5 km Run: Best for families, beginners and supporters. Short, flat, 40-minute limit, easy to enjoy lake breeze and cheer for marathoners after finishing.

Walking Event: Where offered, best for non-runners, families and seniors who want to enjoy Lake Kasumigaura scenery at leisurely pace without running.

Award Ceremony: Best for witnessing inclusive sport, with Minister of Education Award for outstanding athletes and outstanding escort runner awards, showing strong community support for para sport.

Previous year’s highlights

2026 Edition: Held with full marathon, 10-mile and 5 km, organized from Kawaguchi Sports Park J:COM Field Tsuchiura. Featured concurrent International Blind Marathon with no capacity limit for blind divisions, free parking at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground and free shuttle bus. Participation prize choice of original shoulder pouch or local specialty plus Bishoku Rice and soy sauce finisher prize continued to be praised.

2020 and Earlier Editions: Event historically held with full marathon, 10-mile and 5 km with start times 9:20 AM for 10-mile, 9:50 AM for full marathon, 10:30 AM for 5 km. Managed by Ibaraki Athletic Sport Association with strong volunteer base from Tsuchiura and Kasumigaura Councils of Social Welfare.

Reputation: Known for flat course and inclusive atmosphere, favorite among runners who prefer lakeside quiet over big city crowds. Described as having unique charm distinct from urban marathons, with warm hospitality of local volunteers cheering along route.

Community Impact: 200 yen per entry donated to water purification and guide dog training has accumulated over years, supporting environmental and disability causes, and Minister Award recognition adds prestige for blind athletes.

Official tickets

Official Website: www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp and English version www.kasumigaura-marathon.jp/english are the only official sources for entry, course map and race guide. Email info@kasumigaura-marathon.jp for inquiries, phone 029-826-3457 for secretariat at 2-7-36 Shimotakatsu, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Entry Fees in USD: Full marathon $80.00 USD based on 12,000 JPY, 10-mile $60.00 USD based on 9,000 JPY, 5 km $40.00 USD based on 6,000 JPY, walking $32.00 USD based on 4,800 JPY. Includes T-shirt and certificate, plus participation and finisher prizes.

Overseas Entry: Via Run Japan at runjapan.jp gateway, same fees, credit card payment, race guide via email in early April. No lottery, first-come first-served until caps of 18,000 full marathon and 5,000 10-mile.

Parking and Shuttle: Free parking 1,000 cars at Issei Shoji Civic Sports Ground, free shuttle bus from temporary parking lot to main venue, 5 minutes walk from JR Tsuchiura Station East Exit.

Warning: Avoid unofficial resale sites. Use only official transfer via organizer if offered. No proxy running allowed.

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