Fukushima City Half Marathon 2027 – Japan

• May 16, 2027
  Event date:
• May 16, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

The Fukushima City Half Marathon is a premier running event with scenic 21.1km course through cultural landmarks, organized by Fukushima City Half Marathon Executive Committee in collaboration with Fukushima City Sports Promotion Foundation and Fukushima Athletics Association. The event is ranked among the top half marathons in Japan by the running website RUNNET, and last year’s half marathon attracted 4,354 runners from all over the country, showing its strong reputation.

Expect a course that starts and finishes at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, also known as Shinobugaoka Athletic Field and Shinobu Hill Sports Park. This is the main venue that serves as hub for opening ceremony, baggage drop, and finish festival. The race is set for its third edition in recent cycle and expects approximately 5,000 runners, with additional categories including 10km, 2km, and wheelchair division, making it inclusive for families and competitive athletes alike.

You can expect enthusiastic local support, with NOK Group employees and other local company teams not only running but also supporting the event by managing water stations and ensuring participants stay hydrated. The city conducted radiation monitoring throughout the courses and made data public to ensure safety, and the event includes elementary student races from 1.5km up to half marathon. The atmosphere blends competitive spirit with community recovery and celebration, with fresh local produce, hot springs, and historic sites nearby.

The course is moderately rolling with city streets, park sections, and gentle climbs around Shinobu Hill, offering both challenge and scenic views. It is a certified half marathon course suitable for personal best attempts.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: Sunday, May 16th, 2027

Expo and Bib Collection: Packet pickup and expo will be held at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium (Shinobuyama Athletic Field).

Race Day: Main half marathon, 10km, 2km, and wheelchair races will be held on Sunday, May 16th, 2027, rain or shine, with cancellation only in extreme weather conditions.

The main venue is Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, 14-1 Furukawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture. Official site is https://www.fukushimahalf.jp/, contact +81 24-503-4325, email f-marathon@sportspc.jp.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Primary Venue: Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, also known as Shinobugaoka Athletic Field and Shinobu Hill Sports Park, 14-1 Furukawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture. This stadium features a natural grass field measuring 102 by 72 meters with seating for approximately 5,000 spectators on fixed seats plus grass viewing areas.

The venue serves as start and finish for half marathon, 10km, and 2km categories. It includes athletic field, changing tents, baggage storage, medical center, and post-race rest area. The stadium is located near Shinobuyama Hill, offering scenic backdrop.

Secondary Facilities: Fukushima Prefectural Library and Prefectural Museum of Art area nearby provide cultural facilities for supporters. The venue is accessible via bus from Fukushima Station.

Course Corridor: The course uses city roads closed to traffic, passing through central Fukushima City, cultural landmarks, and Shinobuyama Hill area. The course is measured for official half marathon distance and is known for being well-managed with clear signage.

Full fixture or event schedule

Pre-Race Schedule:
Late Morning to Afternoon: Expo opens at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium with bib collection, original T-shirt distribution, and official merchandise. Sponsor booths including NOK Corporation showcase local industry support.
Mid-Afternoon: Course briefing, opening ceremony rehearsal, and stage events featuring local school bands and traditional performances.
Evening: Venue closure and final preparation.

Race Day Schedule:
Early Morning: Venue opens for baggage drop, security checks, and warm-up at WINDY Stadium. Opening ceremony with greetings from Fukushima City officials.
Morning Start Block: Wheelchair division starts first, followed by half marathon, 10km, and 2km categories in staggered waves. Waves based on predicted finish time.
Late Morning: Runners pass through central shopping streets, Prefectural Library area, and Shinobuyama Hill. Spectators gather at city center and near WINDY Stadium.
Midday: 2km and 10km finishers arrive back at stadium, followed by half marathon front runners. Finish festival with food stalls and massage continues.
Early Afternoon: Course closure after generous time limit, award ceremony for overall and age-group winners at stadium main stage.
Afternoon: Venue closes after final finisher celebration.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Fukushima City Half Marathon attracts a diverse field.

Elite and Competitive Field: The half marathon features around 80 men and women from Japan and abroad including those scheduled to compete in Olympics in some editions, while 10km is geared toward mass participation entrants with field of 2,500. Recent edition expects approximately 5,000 runners for main categories.

General Citizen Runners: General division includes citizen runners from across Tohoku and Japan, plus international entrants via RUNNET GLOBAL. Last year’s half marathon attracted 4,354 runners from all over country, showing national appeal.

Fun Run and Short Distances: 2km and 10km races attract families, students, and beginners who want to experience half marathon atmosphere without full distance. Elementary students race from 1.5km.

Corporate and Volunteer Teams: NOK Group employees not only run but also support event by managing water stations. Fukushima City Sports Promotion Foundation and Athletics Association provide organizational support.

Wheelchair Division: Wheelchair category included, with dedicated start and support, making event inclusive.

Tournament format & competition structure

Half Marathon Format: 21.1km certified course, also listed as 21.0975km. Starts and finishes at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium. Officially measured and certified for ranking in top half marathons in Japan.

10km and 2km Formats: Shorter distances use portions of main course, starting and finishing at same stadium. These are timed but non-championship, ideal for families.

Course Design: Course starts and finishes at WINDY Stadium, loops through city center, cultural landmarks such as Prefectural Library and Museum, and Shinobuyama Hill area. The city conducted radiation monitoring throughout courses and made data public, ensuring safety.

Scoring: Overall top finishers by gun time, age-group awards in standard five-year categories. Team awards for corporate and club teams based on combined times.

Time Limits: Generous cutoffs to allow completion for all levels. Participation memento and certificate for all runners who participate. Original goods included.

Community Format: Event blends competitive racing with community festival, with local food, hot springs, and cultural events.

Match/event times

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

Memento Pickup: Participation memento pickup typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM previous day at WINDY Stadium.

Start Times: Wheelchair division starts first, followed by half marathon, 10km, and 2km in staggered waves from morning. Opening ceremony shortly before first start.

Cutoff and Finish: Course remains open for several hours after start. Checkpoints exist at city center, Shinobuyama Hill, and near Prefectural Library area.

Ceremony Times: Opening ceremony shortly before first start, award ceremony after elite finish at stadium main stage.

Traffic Note: Traffic restrictions in place from early morning until evening due to marathon, especially around Seiden Company WINDY Stadium and central shopping streets.

Ticket types

Spectating is free. Participation requires paid entry.

Half Marathon Entry: Full price $40.00 USD. Based on previous half marathon fees for regional Japanese half marathons of 6,000 yen and general range. Includes participation memento, original T-shirt, timing chip, baggage service, insurance, finisher medal, and finisher certificate.

10km Entry: Full price $33.00 USD. Based on previous 10km fees of approximately 5,000 yen. Includes T-shirt, bib, timing, and finisher gift.

2km and Family Entry: Full price $13.00 USD. Based on previous 2km and kids races of approximately 2,000 yen. Includes bib and participation memento.

Wheelchair Entry: Full price $40.00 USD. Same as half marathon, includes dedicated support and timing.

All prices converted to USD from previous JPY editions. If pricing not announced for 2027, previous edition pricing of around 6,000 yen for half marathon applies. Official site https://www.fukushimahalf.jp/ will publish final pricing.

Ticket release phases

Phase One Early Entry: Executive committee starts receiving entry for event several months before race day via official site https://www.fukushimahalf.jp/ and RUNNET. Early entry via Fukushima City Sports Promotion Foundation.

Phase Two General Entry: General public entry via RUNNET Japan opens after early entry. Entry is first-come first-served until capacity reached. Expected capacity approximately 5,000 runners for main categories.

Phase Three Corporate and Volunteer Entry: Corporate sponsorship entries including NOK Corporation debut sponsorship entries for employees who run and manage water stations.

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. Contact +81 24-503-4325 or f-marathon@sportspc.jp for inquiries.

VIP & hospitality options

WINDY Stadium Premium Lounge: Full price $80.00 USD. Located at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, includes heated lounge, private changing, priority baggage, light breakfast with Fukushima specialties, and reserved seating for opening ceremony.

Finish VIP Tent: Full price $65.00 USD. At WINDY Stadium finish area, includes indoor rest area, priority massage, hot meal featuring Fukushima produce, and family meeting zone.

Shinobuyama Sightseeing Package: Full price $100.00 USD. Includes guided tour to Shinobuyama Park, Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art, and Prefectural Library area with bus transport while runner is on course.

Fukushima Food and Onsen Experience: Full price $110.00 USD. Evening before race includes private tour to local onsen, sake tasting featuring Fukushima sake, and fruit picking experience famous in Fukushima.

All hospitality includes English support and official program.

Stadium & event rules

Eligibility: Half marathon open to runners 18 years and older. 10km and 2km open to broader age range including elementary students with parental consent. Wheelchair division open to registered wheelchair athletes.

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

Baggage: Baggage drop at WINDY Stadium transported within venue. 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. Course passes through city center and Shinobuyama Hill area, with some gentle climbs.

Weather Policy: Event held rain or shine, cancelled only in case of severe weather. No refunds but participation prize mailed in case of cancellation.

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 WINDY Stadium and surrounding course for promotion.

How to get there

Fukushima City is located in Tohoku region, accessible via Shinkansen.

By Air: Fukushima Airport is forty minutes by bus to Fukushima Station, with flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. Airport bus connects to Fukushima Station East Exit.

By Train: JR Tohoku Shinkansen serves Fukushima Station. From Tokyo, take Yamabiko or Tsubasa Shinkansen to Fukushima, about one hour thirty minutes. The venue Seiden Company WINDY Stadium is accessible by bus from Fukushima Station.

To Venue: Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, 14-1 Furukawa, Fukushima City. Take bus from Fukushima Station to Furukawa or Shinobugaoka area, then short walk. Shuttle bus timetable from Fukushima Station to WINDY Stadium serves venue on race morning.

Driving: Use Tohoku Expressway to Fukushima Nishi Interchange or Fukushima Iizaka Interchange, then fifteen minutes to city center. Parking at stadium limited; use designated lots at WINDY Stadium peripheral areas with shuttle.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport:
Fukushima Kotsu Bus: Local buses connect Fukushima Station to Furukawa, Shinobugaoka, and Prefectural Library area. Day pass $4.00 USD.

Shuttle Buses: Free shuttle buses operate from Fukushima Station East Exit to WINDY Stadium on race morning and back after race.

City Trains: JR lines connect Fukushima with Sendai, Koriyama, and Yonezawa for supporters.

Parking:
Official Parking: Use Seiden Company WINDY Stadium large parking lot and Shinobugaoka peripheral lots. Rate $5.00 USD per day with free shuttle to start.

Restrictions: Roads along course through Fukushima City center, Prefectural Library area, and Shinobuyama Hill are closed during race hours. Illegal parking will be towed. Follow volunteer guidance.

Bicycle: Free bicycle parking available at WINDY Stadium. Bicycle useful for moving between viewing points at city center and Shinobuyama Hill.

Accommodation areas

WINDY Stadium and Furukawa Area: Best for proximity to start and finish. Hotels near stadium such as Hotel Gracery Fukushima and Dormy Inn Fukushima offer rates $60.00 USD to $85.00 USD per night. Walking distance to venue.

Fukushima Station Area: Most convenient for train travelers and shuttle buses. Business hotels such as JR Inn Fukushima, Toyoko Inn, and Route Inn offer $55.00 USD to $75.00 USD per night with breakfast.

Shinobuyama and Central Area: Scenic hill and central shopping area with views of city. Hotels with park views at $70.00 USD to $95.00 USD per night. Ideal for family supporters who want to cheer near central area.

Iizaka Onsen Area: Famous hot spring resort area twenty minutes by bus, ideal for pre-race relaxation and post-race recovery. Ryokan with onsen baths at $90.00 USD to $130.00 USD per night.

Koriyama Area: Larger city forty minutes away, good for combining race with Tohoku tourism. Rates $65.00 USD per night.

Early booking recommended as event attracts 4,354 to 5,000 runners plus families.

Food & drink at the venue

Fukushima is famous for fruit, sake, and local produce.

Aid Stations: Water and sports drink provided at regular intervals. Nutrition stations feature Fukushima specialties such as peach jelly, apple products, and local citrus.

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

Expo Food Market: At WINDY Stadium, vendors sell Fukushima ramen, gyoza, fruit desserts, and sake. Prices range $3.00 USD to $9.00 USD.

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

Local Recommendation: After race, visit central Fukushima for peach and apple picking, and Iizaka Onsen area for hot spring and sake.

Accessibility

Organizers aim for inclusive access.

Stadium Access: Seiden Company WINDY Stadium has barrier-free entrances, accessible restrooms, elevator access to grandstand, and priority viewing areas for wheelchair users. Seating for approximately 5,000 spectators on fixed seats plus grass viewing areas.

Course Viewing: Course is paved and mostly flat with gentle climb around Shinobuyama Hill, suitable for wheelchair spectators except narrow sections near hill which require caution.

Athlete Support: Visually impaired runners may run with guide runner at no extra cost. Guide must register separately. Wheelchair division included with dedicated start.

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 Fukushima Station and venue.

Best matches/events to attend

Half Marathon Main Race: Core experience covering 21.1km starting and finishing at WINDY Stadium, passing through cultural landmarks and Shinobuyama Hill area. Best viewing at start for opening ceremony, at city center for shopping street atmosphere, and at finish stadium for emotional finishes. Ranked among top half marathons in Japan by RUNNET.

10km Race: Perfect for family members and beginners who want to experience city marathon atmosphere without half distance. Uses portions of main course through central area.

2km and Kids Races: Ideal for elementary students and families, with short distance allowing participation for all ages from 1.5km.

Wheelchair Race: Inclusive division with dedicated start, showing community commitment to accessibility.

Post-Race Add-ons: After race, add Iizaka Onsen hot spring, fruit picking, and Prefectural Museum of Art visit. These allow you to fully enjoy unique charms of Fukushima.

Previous year’s highlights

Recent editions show growth and community spirit.

Last year’s half marathon attracted 4,354 runners from all over country and was ranked among top half marathons in Japan by RUNNET website, indicating high satisfaction. The event is set for its third edition in current format and expects approximately 5,000 runners, showing steady growth.

NOK Corporation made debut sponsorship at Fukushima City Half Marathon 2025, with ten employees running and managing water stations, ensuring participants stay hydrated along course. In 2026, NOK continued contribution supporting local community through sports.

The venue starting and finishing at Seiden Company WINDY Stadium (Shinobuyama Athletic Field) has become central hub for opening ceremony and finish festival, with natural grass field and seating for 5,000 spectators.

The course remains praised for scenic 21.1km through cultural landmarks, with radiation monitoring data made public to ensure safety, a unique transparency effort.

Community highlights include strong volunteer support, enthusiastic local cheering, and finish festival with local food that keeps runners returning year after year. The event is held rain or shine, cancelled only in extreme weather.

Official tickets

All entries must be purchased through official channels.

Official Website: https://www.fukushimahalf.jp/ – Provides race information, course maps, size charts, and final race guide. Contact +81 24-503-4325, email f-marathon@sportspc.jp.

Official Entry Platforms: RUNNET Japan at https://runnet.jp and Ahotu at https://ahotu.com for international reference. Edition history includes 05-2027, 05-2026, 05-2025.

Inquiry: Fukushima City Half Marathon Executive Committee, Fukushima City, Fukushima City Sports Promotion Foundation, Fukushima Athletics Association. Address Seiden Company WINDY Stadium, 14-1 Furukawa, Fukushima City.

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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