Kagoshima Marathon 2027 – Japan

• March 7, 2027
  Event date:
• March 7, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

The Kagoshima Marathon is a full marathon that lets you race and feel everything about Kagoshima, from downtown energy to volcanic coastline. Covering a full 42.195 kilometers, this marathon courses through Kagoshima City’s energetic streets before leading participants alongside the coastal embrace of Kinko Bay and into the backdrop of Sakurajima, an active volcanic island that keeps a steady pulse of unpredictability. The route’s elevation change is moderate but steady, averaging around 150 meters of gain, demanding both endurance and focus while remaining accessible for first-time marathoners thanks to a generous time limit.

Expect a course that showcases famous places in Kagoshima such as Tenmonkan Street, the statue of Saigo Takamori, and Sengan-en Garden, which the course passes at 38.9 km. You can also see Sakurajima and Kinko Bay for many kilometers. The first 13 km loop through the downtown grid, giving you city atmosphere and crowd support, and only from about the 13 km mark does the course follow the coastline, offering stunning views of tranquil Kinko Bay and the majestic Sakurajima volcano. The atmosphere is enhanced by Kagoshima-style enthusiastic cheering, with local groups performing traditional music and dance.

The event includes both a full marathon and a fun run, with free admission for spectators. Runners receive pork miso soup and rice balls after finishing, a local hospitality tradition. The Japanese title of this edition bills it as a countdown commemoration of Saigo Takamori’s 200th birth anniversary and the 150th year since his death, adding cultural depth to your race experience.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: The Kagoshima Marathon 2027 is scheduled for March 7, 2027.

Expo and Bib Collection: Packet pickup and expo will be held on the day before the main race at Kagoshima City Central Park and nearby gymnasiums.

Race Day: The full marathon start is scheduled for 8:30 AM and fun run start for 8:45 AM on March 7, 2027, with full marathon finish closing at 3:30 PM.

The event will be held rain or shine. The official site is https://www.kagoshima-marathon.jp/ and contact is via Sun Sun Call Kagoshima.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Start Venue: Former Dolphin Port site on the waterfront, Dolphin Port, Kagoshima City. This open waterfront area provides spacious start corrals, baggage drop, and pre-race warm-up with views of Sakurajima across Kinko Bay.

Fun Run Start Venue: Former Dolphin Port site as well, with same facilities but separate corrals. Fun run start is at Yamakataya Department Store area for some editions, but main start remains Dolphin Port.

Finish Venues: Full marathon finish is in front of Kagoshima City Hall, 4-1 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City. Fun run finish is in front of Yamakata-ya department store near Tenmonkan. Both finishes are in central city, making post-race access easy.

Turnaround Point: Shigetomi district in neighboring Aira City, and in some editions Kawasho Hall area. This turnaround allows course to be certified and to showcase both Kagoshima City and Aira City.

The course passes through Kagoshima City and Aira City, using fully closed public roads. Start and finish are different places, so baggage transport is provided.

Full fixture or event schedule

Pre-Race Schedule:
Late Morning to Afternoon: Expo opens at Kagoshima Central Park with bib collection, original T-shirt distribution, and official merchandise. Size chart is available on official website.
Afternoon: Stage events featuring local artists, Yosakoi-inspired dance, and talk shows with invited athletes. Course briefing in Japanese with English guide sheet.
Evening: Venue closure and preparation for race day shuttle operations.

Race Day Schedule:
Early Morning: Baggage drop opens at Dolphin Port, security checks, and warm-up. Opening ceremony with greetings from Kagoshima City and executive committee.
Morning Start Block: Full marathon starts at 8:30 AM from Dolphin Port heading south along seaside. Fun run starts at 8:45 AM from same area or Yamakataya Department Store.
Late Morning: Runners pass Tenmonkan Street, Saigo Takamori statue, and approach Sengan-en Garden area. Coastal section along Kinko Bay offers views of Sakurajima.
Midday: Turnaround at Shigetomi in Aira City, then return toward city center. Fun run finishes at 10:15 AM.
Early Afternoon: Elite and majority field finishes at Kagoshima City Hall. Finish festival with food, massage, and music.
Mid-Afternoon: Full marathon finish closes at 3:30 PM, seven hours after start. Award ceremony for overall and age-group winners.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Kagoshima Marathon has grown steadily in popularity, reflecting its scenic course and hospitality.

Elite and Competitive Field: Recent editions have featured international and domestic winners such as Dejen from Eritrea who won for second consecutive year in 2025, achieving stunning second consecutive victory. The 2024 edition saw 5,410 participants in full marathon, while 2025 saw 7,433 participants, a 19.3 percent increase, and 2026 projected 9,441 participants, a 27 percent increase, showing rapid growth.

General Citizen Runners: Majority of field consists of citizen runners from across Kyushu and Japan, plus international entrants via RUNJAPAN portal. Age eligibility is 18 and over by gender. The generous seven-hour limit makes it welcoming for first-time marathoners.

Fun Run Participants: Fun run distance is 8.9KM, open to broader age range including junior high school and older, providing family-friendly option. Fun run starts at Dolphin Port and finishes in front of Yamakata-ya.

Notable Past Performers: In 2025, women’s winner Miyuki Uehara ran 2:39:55 to win women’s race and retired after that race. Her story illustrates how Kagoshima serves as both competitive and farewell race for Japanese athletes. Corporate team athletes from Nansatsu Tokyo and other Kagoshima-based companies also participate.

Tournament format & competition structure

Full Marathon Format: 42.195KM certified course by Japan Association of Athletics Federations. Course is official recognition course, starting in front of Dolphin Port, returning with view of Aira City and Sakurajima, finishing at Kagoshima City Hall. Net and gun timing with timing chip rental.

Fun Run Format: 8.9KM fun run, timed but non-championship, using first section of marathon course through downtown. Men’s and women’s divisions.

Course Profile: Rolling course with moderate elevation gain averaging 150 meters. First 13 km loop through downtown grid is flat, then coastal section from 13 km mark offers gentle undulations along Kinko Bay. Sengan-en area around 38.9 km offers slight incline before final push to City Hall.

Scoring: Overall top ten men and women receive trophies and prize money. Age-group awards in five-year categories. Team awards for corporate and club teams based on combined times.

Time Limits: Full marathon seven hours with cutoff points, fun run one hour thirty minutes with one cutoff point. Cutoffs enforced for traffic reopening.

Cultural Format: Japanese title bills edition as countdown commemoration of Saigo Takamori, integrating history, local cheering, and scenic heritage into race structure.

Match/event times

Times based on previous editions and confirmed in final race guide.

Check-in Times: Previous day check-in typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Central Park. Race day check-in 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM at start area.

Start Times: Full marathon 8:30 AM at Kagoshima City Hall area start at former Dolphin Port. Fun run 8:45 AM at Dolphin Port or Yamakataya Department Store.

Cutoff Times: Full marathon finish 3:30 PM, seven hours after start. Intermediate cutoffs at approximately 10K, half, 30K, and 35K. Fun run finish 10:15 AM.

Finish Window: Elite men finish around 2 hours 15 minutes after start, elite women around 2 hours 45 minutes, majority field between 4 and 6 hours.

Traffic Restrictions: Traffic restrictions in place from early morning until evening on race day due to marathon, especially around Tenmonkan, Sengan-en, and coastal roads.

Ticket types

Spectating is free. Participation requires paid entry.

Full Marathon Entry: Full price $74.00 USD to $93.00 USD depending on edition. Based on previous entry fees: 10,000 yen in earlier editions, 14,000 JPY in 2024 edition for 42.195km. Includes original T-shirt, timing chip rental, baggage transport, insurance, finisher medal, finisher certificate, pork miso soup and rice balls.

Fun Run Entry: Full price $20.00 USD to $27.00 USD. Based on previous fees of 3,000 yen and 4,000 JPY for 8.9km. Includes T-shirt, bib, timing, and finisher gift.

Overseas Entry via RUNJAPAN: Full price $73.00 USD. Based on entry fee ¥11,000 same through RUNJAPAN international portal. Includes English support and bib pickup at designated gymnasium.

Group and Corporate Entry: Same per-person fee but allows team tent booking for $50.00 USD per team.

All prices converted to USD from previous JPY editions. If pricing not announced for 2027, previous edition pricing applies.

Ticket release phases

Phase One Early Entry: General entry opens in early September, for example September 1 00:00 to November 17 23:59 in 2024 edition. Early entry via RUNNET and official site https://www.kagoshima-marathon.jp.

Phase Two International Entry: International entry via RUNJAPAN opens concurrently and closes at 11:59 PM Japan time on Sunday, October 18, 2026 for 2027 edition example. International entrants can pick up bibs at designated gymnasium previous day or race morning.

Phase Three Additional Cap Increase: Organizers may raise cap due to demand. Past editions increased from 6,230 in 2024 to 7,433 in 2025 to 9,441 in 2026.

Phase Four Final Instructions: Once entry closed, final race guide, bib numbers, wave assignments, and T-shirt sizes distributed. No race day entries or bib transfers permitted.

VIP & hospitality options

Kagoshima City Hall Premium Lounge: Full price $100.00 USD. Located near finish at City Hall, includes indoor lounge, private changing, priority baggage, light meal featuring Kagoshima black pork, and reserved seating for award ceremony.

Dolphin Port Start Hospitality: Full price $85.00 USD. At former Dolphin Port start area, includes heated tent, breakfast with local ingredients, and priority warm-up area.

Sengan-en Cultural Package: Full price $130.00 USD. Includes guided tour to Sengan-en Garden which makes beautiful use of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as borrowed scenery, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Foreigner’s House. Tour scheduled day before race, since Sengan-en is closed on first Sunday of March for marathon. Includes entrance fee $11.00 USD value.

Sakurajima Volcano Experience for Supporters: Full price $150.00 USD. Includes ferry across Kinko Bay to Sakurajima Island, Yunohira Observatory visit for impressive views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay, Arimura Lava Observatory, and return ferry while runner is on course.

All hospitality includes English support and official program.

Stadium & event rules

Eligibility: Full marathon open to men and women aged 18 and over. Fun run open to broader age range. Must be able to complete within time limits.

Bib and Chip: Bib must be worn on front chest, visible, not folded. Timing chip rental must be returned after finish. Loss incurs replacement fee.

Baggage: Baggage drop at Dolphin Port start transported to Kagoshima City Hall finish. Valuables not accepted. Bags must be within size limits.

Course Rules: No bicycles, strollers, pets, or outside assistance vehicles on course. Follow police and volunteer instructions. No littering outside aid stations. Urado-style bridge sections require single file in narrow parts.

Weather Policy: Event held rain or shine. In case of severe weather, course may be shortened or canceled for safety. No refunds but participation prize mailed.

Conduct: Shortcutting, receiving outside assistance, starting in wrong block, or unsportsmanlike conduct results in disqualification.

Media Consent: Entry includes consent for photos, video, and results taken at Dolphin Port, Tenmonkan, Sengan-en, and City Hall for promotion.

How to get there

Kagoshima City is located at southern tip of Kyushu, facing Kinko Bay and Sakurajima.

By Air: Kagoshima Airport is forty minutes by airport limousine bus to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. Direct flights from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Fukuoka. First bus from Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki does not leave until 10:30 AM, so for early start stay in Kagoshima City night before or book race direct shuttle that leaves Kagoshima-Chuo Station at 5 AM.

By Train: JR Kyushu Shinkansen and Kagoshima Main Line serve Kagoshima-Chuo Station. From Hakata in Fukuoka, take Sakura or Tsubame Shinkansen to Kagoshima-Chuo, about one hour twenty minutes. From Tokyo, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Hakata then transfer.

To Start: Former Dolphin Port site is ten minutes by bus or taxi from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. Free shuttle buses operate from Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Tenmonkan area to Dolphin Port on race morning.

Driving: Use Kyushu Expressway to Kagoshima Interchange, then fifteen minutes to city center. Parking at Dolphin Port prohibited for general runners; use designated lots at City Hall and Haruno area with shuttle.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport:
Kagoshima City Tram: Streetcar connects Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Tenmonkan, City Hall, and Dolphin Port area. Day pass $4.00 USD.

Shuttle Buses: Free shuttle buses run continuously from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Tenmonkan, and Kagoshima Airport area to Dolphin Port start and City Hall finish.

Highway Buses: Direct buses from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki to Kagoshima-Chuo for supporters.

Parking:
Official Parking: Use Kagoshima City Hall parking and Dolphin Port peripheral lots. Rate $5.00 USD per day with free shuttle to start.

Restrictions: Roads along course through Kagoshima City and Aira City are closed from early morning until evening on race day. Illegal parking will be towed. Sengan-en area closed on first Sunday of March for marathon, so plan garden visits other days.

Bicycle: Free bicycle parking available at Dolphin Port and City Hall. Bicycle useful for moving between viewing points along coastal section.

Accommodation areas

Tenmonkan and City Hall Area: Best for proximity to finish and fun run finish. Hotels such as APA Hotel Kagoshima Chuo, Hotel Gracery Kagoshima, and Remm Kagoshima offer rates $65.00 USD to $90.00 USD per night. Walking distance to start shuttle.

Kagoshima-Chuo Station Area: Most convenient for train travelers and early morning shuttle that leaves at 5 AM. Business hotels such as JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima and Toyoko Inn offer $60.00 USD per night.

Dolphin Port and Waterfront Area: Hotels near waterfront with views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, ideal for pre-race relaxation. Rates $80.00 USD to $110.00 USD per night.

Sengan-en and Iso Area: Traditional garden area twenty minutes from central station, near JR Sengan-en Station. Ryokan with views of Sakurajima borrowed scenery at $100.00 USD to $150.00 USD per night. Note garden closed on race day, so stay previous night to visit.

Ibusuki Area: Famous for hot-sand baths at Ibusuki, sixty minutes south. Popular add-on after race. Rates $90.00 USD to $130.00 USD per night. First bus from Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki leaves late, so book race direct shuttle by December 18, 2026 if staying there before race.

Food & drink at the venue

Kagoshima is famous for black pork, shochu, and volcanic cuisine.

Aid Stations: Water and sports drink provided at regular intervals. Nutrition stations feature Kagoshima specialties such as satsuma sweet potato, black pork soup, and local citrus. Pork miso soup and rice balls provided at finish as noted in past race reports.

Finish Area: Post-race meal includes original lunch box with Kagoshima black pork, rice, and miso soup. Vegetarian options available.

Expo Food Market: At Central Park, vendors sell Kagoshima ramen, satsuma-age fried fish cake, shirokuma shaved ice, and sweet potato sweets. Prices range $3.00 USD to $9.00 USD.

Drinks: Free tea and water in runner areas. Spectator area offers Kagoshima shochu tasting and craft beer for $5.00 USD.

Local Recommendation: After race, visit Tenmonkan for Kagoshima black pork shabu-shabu and Sengan-en area for garden views.

Accessibility

Organizers aim for inclusive access.

Stadium Access: Kagoshima City Hall finish area and Dolphin Port start have barrier-free entrances, accessible restrooms, and priority viewing areas for wheelchair users.

Course Viewing: Course is paved, rolling, suitable for wheelchair spectators except some narrow sections near Tenmonkan. Coastal section along Kinko Bay has flat promenade.

Athlete Support: Visually impaired runners may run with guide runner at no extra cost. Guide must register separately. Wheelchair marathon participation limited; contact executive committee.

Communication: Japanese and English signage, plus pictograms, throughout venue. Information desk staffed with English-speaking volunteers.

Service Animals: Service dogs permitted in outdoor areas. Accessible shuttle buses operate between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and venues.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon Main Race: Core experience covering 42.195KM from Dolphin Port to City Hall via Aira City. Best viewing at start for opening ceremony, at Tenmonkan Street for city energy, at Sengan-en Garden at 38.9 km for cultural backdrop, and at City Hall finish for emotional finale. Views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay from 13 km mark onward are spectacular.

Fun Run 8.9KM: Perfect for family members and beginners who want to experience downtown course without full distance. Starts at Dolphin Port and finishes in front of Yamakata-ya.

Sengan-en Garden Segment: Around 38.9 km, runners pass Sengan-en which makes beautiful use of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as borrowed scenery. Even though garden is closed on race day for marathon, runners see its outer walls and supporters can visit previous day.

Shigetomi Turnaround: Mid-course point in Aira City where runners turn back toward Kagoshima. Good spot to see elite leaders return.

Post-Race Add-ons: After race, add Ibusuki hot-sand baths and Sengan-en garden visit. Both are obvious add-ons recommended in race guides.

Previous year’s highlights

Recent editions show growth and competitive spirit.

In 2024, the Kagoshima Marathon was held with 5,410 participants in full marathon, won by Eritrean runner Dejen who achieved wonderful accomplishment in his first full marathon. After graduation from FGC and SEISA, he started working for Nansatsu Tokyo company in Kagoshima and continues as athlete on company track team.

In 2025, Dejen won second consecutive victory at Kagoshima Marathon, with 7,433 participants. Women’s race in 2025 was won by Miyuki Uehara in 2:39:55 who retired after that race, marking emotional farewell. The event also saw second consecutive victory narrative and strong corporate team support.

Participation has grown from 6,230 in 2024 to 7,433 in 2025 to projected 9,441 in 2026, showing 19.3 percent and 27 percent growth rates. The course remains praised for covering scenic routes offering views of coast and Mt. Sakurajima, with Sengan-en Winter Illumination also popular in season.

Community support remains strong, with pork miso soup and rice balls provided at finish, and traffic restrictions noted as well-managed.

Official tickets

All entries must be purchased through official channels.

Official Website: https://www.kagoshima-marathon.jp/ – Provides entry information, course maps, size charts, and final race guide. Contact via Sun Sun Call Kagoshima TEL 099-808-3333.

Official Entry Platforms: RUNNET Japan at https://runnet.jp and RUNNET GLOBAL at https://runnetglobal.com for international entrants.

Inquiry: Kagoshima Marathon Executive Committee, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Marathon Executive Committee, and Kagoshima Athletics Association Foundation.

Important: Entry closed once maximum capacity reached. No race day entries or bib transfers permitted. Official website should be used as final reference.

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