Gifu Half Marathon 2027 – Japan

• April 25, 2027
  Event date:
• April 25, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Gifu Half Marathon, officially known as Takahashi Naoko Cup Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon, is Japan’s first and only World Athletics Gold Label half marathon race, an annual half marathon road running competition held in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. The first edition featured top level and popular sections for the half marathon, and all funds raised during the event went towards reconstruction effort following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, establishing the race’s founding spirit of contributing to society through sports.

Organized by Gifu Association of Athletics, Gifu Prefecture, Gifu City, Gifu Sports Association, and The Chunichi Shimbun, and supervised by Naoko Takahashi, the 2000 Sydney Olympic marathon champion and former world record holder who launched the race in her hometown of Gifu in 2011 to hold a world-class event with theme From Gifu to the World to send Japanese athletes off to world stage.

Expect a scenic, flat and fast course that starts and finishes at Gifu Memorial Center, also known as Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium and Gifu Memorial Center. The course heads south for 4 km passing through Yanagase shopping district until it reaches Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga beside Gifu Station, then continues along Nagaragawa River, famous for its clear stream called Seiryu, offering beautiful views of Mt. Kinka and Gifu Castle.

The race also serves as The 5th East Asian Half Marathon Championships in upcoming edition, attracting elite athletes from East Asian region alongside 10,000 general participants, making it both elite championship and mass participation event with strong community support.

The event is certified by World Athletics, AIMS and Japan Association of Athletics Federations, supervised by Naoko Takahashi herself, and includes charity element where all runners, volunteers and event staff work together for charity.

Match/event dates

Event Date: April 25, 2027

Event Name: Gifu Half Marathon 2027 also serves as The 5th East Asian Half Marathon Championships 2027

Organizers: Gifu Association of Athletics, Gifu Prefecture, Gifu City, Gifu Sports Association, The Chunichi Shimbun

Course: Takahashi Naoko Cup / Gifu Half Marathon Course, start and finish at Gifu Memorial Center, course certified by WA / AIMS and JAAF and supervised by Naoko Takahashi

Venue: Gifu Memorial Center, Fukumitsu Ohno 2675-28, Gifu City

Date and Time Structure: Sunday, April 25, 2027, 9:00 Half Marathon Start, 12:05 Half Marathon End

Athlete Bib Pickup: Saturday, April 24, 2027, 10:00 to 20:00 at Gifu Memorial Center, Deai Dome and Fureai Dome areas. Bib pick-up for both Half Marathon and 3km Race available only on Saturday.

Regulation: Race conducted in accordance with World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules and FY2027 Rules and Regulations of JAAF and Gifu Half Marathon, plus WA Road Race Label Regulations and WA Advertising Regulations as WA Label Road Race. Doping tests conducted according to WA Regulations.

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

Contact: Administrative Office of Naoko Takahashi Cup Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon Executive Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations Gifu, Nishina Heights A-102, 3-49 Gakuen-cho, Gifu city, TEL/FAX 058-263-1295, and jtbc.sedesk@jtb.com for international inquiries.

Exact traffic restrictions and shuttle bus information announced via official site 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: Gifu Memorial Center, Fukumitsu Ohno 2675-28, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. Complex includes Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, Deai Dome, Fureai Dome, and Seiryu Deck Sun Sun Deck Gifu. Stadium capacity approximately 20,000 with track and field facilities that have hosted numerous national championships.

Start and Finish: Takahashi Naoko Cup / Gifu Half Marathon Course starts and finishes at Gifu Memorial Center, with start gate closing at 9:20. Course certified by WA / AIMS and JAAF ensures accurate distance for records and rankings.

Course Description: First section heads south for 4 km passing through Yanagase shopping district until it reaches Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga beside Gifu Station, then heads north along Nagaragawa River, passing Gifu Grand Hotel area, Ukai Bridge, Chidori Bridge, and scenic riverside promenades with views of Mt. Kinka. Course is mostly flat with minimal elevation change, ideal for personal bests.

Check Points and Time Limits: Course closure times tentative include Start Gate 9:20, 5.8km Courthouse 10:10, 10.1km Ukai Bridge Southeast 10:40, 13.2km Chidori Bridge North 11:00, 17.3km Gifu Grand Hotel Parking 11:32, Finish Nagaragawa Stadium 12:05. Athletes who fail to pass check point before it closes must drop out and follow officials instructions, get on sweep bus and return timing chips.

Wave Start: Half marathon uses wave start system to ensure smooth and safe operation, with starting order in order of self-reported times at time of application.

Full fixture or event schedule

Race Weekend Schedule:

Saturday – Bib Pickup and Expo: Bib pick-up available from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Fureai Dome in Gifu Memorial Center. Please note bib pickup for both Half Marathon and 3km Race available only on Saturday. Expo includes sponsor booths, charity activities, and tourism information for Gifu City. Seiryu Deck offers scenic views.

Sunday Morning – Race Day: Early morning venue opens for warm-up and baggage drop at designated place. Opening ceremony inside Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium. Half Marathon start at 9:00 AM with wave start blocks according to estimated finish times. Athletes who are late asked to start from last block.

Race Progression: Runners proceed south to Gifu Station area, then loop north along Nagaragawa River with check points closing progressively. Finish closes at 12:05 PM, giving 3 hours and 5 minutes total time limit from start.

Post-Race: Finisher certificates certifying running time provided after race for all runners who completely run course. Running times automatically measured by chips. Age group awards for general participants given for first time in recent editions, plus awards for fastest 8 runners in both male and female races.

Charity Activities: All runners, volunteers and event staff work together for charity with goal of contributing to society through sports, continuing founding spirit from Tohoku reconstruction.

Teams, athletes & participants

Race Capacity: 10,000 participants for half marathon, making it one of largest half marathons in central Japan.

Qualification Divisions: First Division JAAF-registered athletes only, where running time will be officiated and eligible for official records. Second Division General Participants, where if JAAF-registered athlete participates in second division, running time will not be officiated.

Elite Field: As Japan’s first and only World Athletics Gold Label half marathon and host of East Asian Half Marathon Championships, elite field includes top Japanese national team athletes, East Asian national representatives, and international invited athletes from Africa and Europe. Recent editions have featured top Japanese Olympic hopefuls and East Asian champions.

General Participants: Open to general runners who can complete half marathon within time limit, with wide age range from high school students to masters runners.

Visually Impaired Runners: Special provision for visually-impaired runners who run with escort runner, special number card provided for exclusive use of escort runner. Participants must inform administration office at time of application if intending to be escorted or to be escort.

Charity Runners: Heart Support Runners and charity runners participate to support community causes.

International Runners: International entries accepted via JTB Sports Entry desk at jtbc.sedesk@jtb.com, with English support for overseas participants.

Tournament format & competition structure

Format: Road race on paved roads, flat course, certified for records. Distance half marathon 21.0975km.

Competition Structure: Gun time and net time both recorded via chip timing. Official record certified by JAAF is gross time from gun start to finish line crossing, while net time from each runner’s start line crossing to finish line crossing used as official record for awards and personal tracking.

Age Group Awards: Age group awards for general participants introduced in recent editions, with categories typically 29 and under, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70 and over for both male and female.

East Asian Championships: In championship year, East Asian Half Marathon Championships format includes national team scoring where top finishers from each East Asian nation contribute to team ranking, alongside individual championship medals.

Doping Control: Doping tests conducted according to World Athletics Regulations for elite athletes.

Timing: Running times for half marathon automatically measured by chips and all runners who completely run course receive certificate certifying running time after race.

Match/event times

Typical Race Day Timeline:

Early Morning Venue Opening: Gifu Memorial Center opens early for baggage keep at designated place, warm-up, and call room.

9:00 AM: Half Marathon start at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium with wave start blocks.

9:20 AM: Start gate closes, no further starts allowed.

10:10 AM: 5.8km check point at Courthouse closes.

10:40 AM: 10.1km check point at Ukai Bridge Southeast closes.

11:00 AM: 13.2km check point at Chidori Bridge North closes.

11:32 AM: 17.3km check point at Gifu Grand Hotel Parking closes.

12:05 PM: Finish at Nagaragawa Stadium closes, course closure.

Post-Race: Certificate distribution and age group awards ceremony inside stadium.

Ticket types

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

Participation Fees Converted to USD Based on Official Outline:

Half Marathon General Entry: 11,000 Yen, approximately $73. Includes accident insurance, timing chip, finisher certificate, and participation prize. Additional fees may apply depending on payment method.

Early Entry: Same fee 11,000 Yen, approximately $73, for early entry period.

Historical Fees: In 2022, participation fee was 10,000 Yen, approximately $67, for race capacity 10,000. In 2023 general entry fee was 13,000 Yen, approximately $87, showing gradual adjustment.

3km Race: When held alongside half marathon, entry fee typically 1,800 to 2,000 Yen, approximately $12 to $13.

Other Categories: Full marathon when offered in past was 6,500 Yen, approximately $43, but current focus is half marathon and 3km.

Spectator Access: Free and open to public along entire course, including prime viewing at Yanagase shopping district, Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga beside Gifu Station, Nagaragawa River promenade, and inside Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium finish.

Registration Portal: Applications accepted via internet on first-come first-served basis until maximum capacity reached via JTB Sports Station and Sports Entry.

Ticket release phases

Entry Outline Announcement: Outlines announced via official website in early autumn with capacity, fees, and eligibility details.

Early Entry Period: Early entry period typically from mid-October to end of October, first-come first-served. For 2027 edition, early entry period October 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

General Entry Period: General entry period from early November to late February, allowing extended window for general participants. For 2027 edition, general entry November 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to February 28, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.

Pre-Entry Maximum: If number of pre-entry applicants reaches maximum, no more applications accepted, emphasizing early application importance.

Entry Guide Distribution: After registration, participants receive entry guide in mid-March if selected to participate.

Bib Pickup Phase: Mandatory athlete bib pickup on Saturday before race from 10:00 to 20:00 at Gifu Memorial Center, no pickup on Sunday for half marathon.

International Entry: International entries via JTB at jtbc.sedesk@jtb.com, with English support, typically closing earlier than domestic general entry.

VIP & hospitality options

Stadium Hospitality: Gifu Memorial Center offers indoor lounge areas for elite athletes and invited guests with live results feed.

Sponsor Hospitality: Suzuki as primary sponsor and Chunichi Shimbun host hospitality areas near start and finish with traditional Gifu hospitality.

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

Charity Runner Support: Heart Support Runners receive special recognition and support.

Cultural Hospitality: Gifu City provides tourism information, cultural exhibitions, and local product sales in expo area, including Gifu’s famous cormorant fishing Ukai and traditional crafts.

Seiryu Deck: Sun Sun Deck Gifu and Seiryu Deck offer scenic viewing areas for family and friends.

Stadium & event rules

Regulation: Race conducted in accordance with World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules and FY2027 Rules and Regulations of JAAF and Gifu Half Marathon. WA Road Race Label Regulations and WA Advertising Regulations apply as WA Label Road Race.

Entry Rules: No change of event, cancellation, or refund of entry fee after application made. Each participant may only apply for one event and may not change events after registration. False declarations of age, gender, record etc or participation by anyone other than applicant, illegal participation, not accepted. If individual or group found to have participated illegally, entry cancelled and may not be allowed to register for future competitions. Substitute runners and transfer of rights not allowed. If such actions found, entrant disqualified, organizer will not provide compensation.

JAAF Registration: If athlete registered with JAAF participates in second division general, record will not be certified. If registered with JAAF, enter affiliation name exactly as registered with JAAF when applying.

Minors: Minors must obtain consent of parent or guardian before applying.

Costume Rules: Costumes must follow guidelines set by organizer, dress sensibly, no advertising banners or placards. If staff instructions not followed, may not be allowed to participate, entry fee not refunded.

Starting Order: Starting order in order of self-reported times at time of application for safety. Refrain from false declarations. Follow announcements and instructions of race officials and start from designated blocks. If late, start from last block. Do not interrupt race.

Emergency: In event of accident, fire or other emergency, emergency vehicles may have priority on course. Follow instructions of police officers, firefighters and competition officials.

Baggage: Baggage can be kept in designated place, but organizer not responsible for theft, loss or destruction unless caused by organizer’s intentional or gross negligence.

Insurance: Organizer provides accident insurance, but those who want more compensation should take out own insurance. Entry fee includes accident insurance.

Certified Record Certificate: If registered with JAAF and wish to participate, may obtain certified record certificate fee 500 Yen, approximately $3, apply on day of race, certificate sent by post at later date.

Personal Information: Organizer handles personal information in strict compliance with Personal Information Protection Law. Entry information may be used in Chunichi Shimbun’s coverage. Images, photographs, articles, records, names, ages, addresses may be used for publication on TV, newspapers, magazines, internet, as well as portrait rights. Photos and other materials related to event may be sold to general public.

How to get there

Address: Gifu Memorial Center, Fukumitsu Ohno 2675-28, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture.

Nearest Stations: JR Gifu Station and Meitetsu Gifu Station are main hubs. About 20 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station to Gifu Memorial Center. Take bus from platform 11 at JR Gifu Station and get off at Gifu Memorial Center North, walk 1 minute. Bus routes via Ukai Bridge and Chidori Bridge areas.

From Nagoya: From Nagoya Station, take JR Tokaido Main Line to Gifu Station, about 30 minutes, then bus to venue. Or Meitetsu Nagoya Line to Meitetsu Gifu, about 30 minutes.

From Osaka: From Osaka, take JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya then JR to Gifu, total about 90 minutes.

From Airport: From Chubu Centrair International Airport, take Meitetsu Airport Line to Meitetsu Gifu via Nagoya, total about 90 minutes.

Race Day Access: Area around venue expected to be very crowded on day of race. Please use public transportation or shuttle buses whenever possible. Parking will be on first-come first-served basis, so register at time of registration. Organizers not responsible for delays due to public transportation or road conditions.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Strongly Recommended: Gifu Memorial Center area has limited parking and roads around Nagaragawa River closed for race. Public transport via JR and Meitetsu lines plus shuttle buses is most reliable.

Bus: Gifu Bus operates shuttle buses from JR Gifu Station and Meitetsu Gifu Station to Gifu Memorial Center North on race morning with increased frequency.

Train: JR Tokaido Main Line and Meitetsu Nagoya Line operate with regular schedule, extra early morning services for runners.

Parking: Parking available on first-come first-served basis at Gifu Memorial Center lots, but must register at time of registration. Lots fill quickly and charge premium rates, typically $10 to $15 per day. Avoid driving if possible due to traffic restrictions around Ukai Bridge and Chidori Bridge.

Taxi: Taxis from Gifu Station cost approximately $15 to $20, but expect heavy traffic after race.

Accessibility Transport: JR Gifu Station and Meitetsu Gifu Station have elevators. Gifu Memorial Center is barrier-free with accessible restrooms.

Accommodation areas

Best Areas to Stay:

Gifu Station Area: Closest business hub with hotels such as Hotel Resol Gifu, JR Station Hotel, and Gifu Grand Hotel ranging $70 to $140 per night. 20 minutes bus to venue, ideal for early race morning.

Nagaragawa Riverside: Hotels like Gifu Miyako Hotel and riverside ryokans offer scenic views of Nagaragawa River and Mt. Kinka, ranging $80 to $180 per night.

Yanagase Shopping District: Boutique hotels and business hotels in downtown Gifu near start of course’s southern loop, ranging $60 to $120 per night.

Budget Options: Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel, and APA Hotel chains near Gifu Station offer $45 to $75 per night.

Nagoya Area: For those wanting larger city amenities, Nagoya hotels offer 30 minute train to Gifu Station, ranging $80 to $200 per night, but early morning travel required.

Book at least one month in advance as Gifu Half Marathon attracts 10,000 runners plus families and nearby hotels fill quickly, especially with East Asian Championships attracting additional visitors.

Food & drink at the venue

Inside Gifu Memorial Center: Stadium concourse and Deai Dome offer bento boxes, hot drinks, and snacks on race day, with heated indoor areas for spectators and runners post-race. Seiryu Deck offers scenic riverside dining.

Gifu Specialties: Food stalls set up in Memorial Center area offering Gifu specialties such as Hida beef skewers, ayu sweetfish grilled, kei-chan chicken, 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.

Yanagase District: Shopping district along early course offers countless restaurants and cafes where spectators can eat while waiting for runners to pass Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga.

Post-Race: Athlete refreshment area with recovery drinks and light food, plus finisher certificate distribution.

Accessibility

Venue Accessibility: Gifu Memorial Center and Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium are fully barrier-free with elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair spaces in stands.

Course Viewing Accessibility: Most roadside viewing points accessible via flat sidewalks, especially along Nagaragawa River promenade which is wide and flat. Early arrival recommended for wheelchair users to secure viewing spot near start and finish.

Accessible Participation: Visually-impaired runners can participate with escort runner, special number card provided for escort runner. Must inform administration office at time of application.

Contact for Accessibility: Contact Administrative Office via 058-263-1295 or JTB international desk jtbc.sedesk@jtb.com for specific accessibility needs.

Charity Support: Heart Support Runners category provides additional support for runners with disabilities.

Best matches/events to attend

Start at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium: Best place to feel elite atmosphere, watch mass start of 10,000 runners with wave start, and see dramatic finish inside stadium.

Yanagase Shopping District: Most vibrant viewing point where runners head south for first 4 km, offering lively shopping street atmosphere with cheering crowds.

Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga beside Gifu Station: Iconic landmark where course reaches southernmost point, beautiful backdrop for photos and major crowd support area.

Nagaragawa River and Ukai Bridge: Most scenic viewing point along clear Seiryu stream with views of Mt. Kinka and Gifu Castle, especially beautiful around Chidori Bridge and Ukai Bridge Southeast check points.

Gifu Grand Hotel Parking Area: Near 17.3km check point, offering riverside viewing with hotel facilities and close to finish, ideal for watching elite race unfold before final push to stadium.

Previous year’s highlights

World Athletics Gold Label Status: Gifu Half Marathon is Japan’s first and only World Athletics Gold Label half marathon race, held annually in Gifu, Japan, recognized for high organizational standards, elite field quality, and fast course.

East Asian Championships Hosting: Selection as 5th East Asian Half Marathon Championships in 2027 edition highlights international prestige, bringing together national teams from East Asia for team and individual championships.

Course Reputation: Course starts and finishes at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, heading south through Yanagase shopping district to Golden Statue of Oda Nobunaga, then north along Nagaragawa River, combining urban shopping, historic landmarks, and scenic riverside with flat profile ideal for personal bests.

Community Impact: First edition funds went to Tohoku earthquake and tsunami reconstruction, establishing charity spirit where all runners, volunteers and event staff work together for goal of contributing to society through sports, continuing each year.

Participation Growth: Race capacity 10,000 with first-come first-served entry that often reaches maximum quickly, showing popularity among both elite and recreational runners. Previous editions featured 459 finishers in recent limited edition and 406 finishers in earlier edition during restricted periods, now returned to full capacity.

Supervision by Naoko Takahashi: Supervision by Olympic champion Naoko Takahashi adds prestige and ensures high technical standards, with her involvement in course design and athlete development.

Official tickets

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

Entry Outline: https://www.gifu-marathon.jp/en/race/outline/

Registration Portal: JTB Sports Station and Sports Entry, first-come first-served, plus early entry and general entry periods

International Contact: jtbc.sedesk@jtb.com for international entries via JTB

Administrative Office: Administrative Office of Naoko Takahashi Cup Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon Executive Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations Gifu, Nishina Heights A-102, 3-49 Gakuen-cho, Gifu city, TEL/FAX 058-263-1295

Packet Pick-up: Gifu Memorial Center Deai Dome and Fureai Dome, mandatory on Saturday before race

Organizer: Gifu Association of Athletics, Gifu Prefecture, Gifu City, Gifu Sports Association, The Chunichi Shimbun

Venue: Gifu Memorial Center, Fukumitsu Ohno 2675-28, Gifu City

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