Hakodate Marathon 2027 – Japan

What to expect

The Hakodate Marathon is a summer marathon that lets you fully enjoy the unique charms of Hakodate, a port city at the southern tip of Hokkaido. Expect a certified course that starts and finishes at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium, also known as Hakodate Dotsuku Sports Garden, and is certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and recognized by International Marathon and Road Race Association. The race is known for its exotic atmosphere, with streets that blend historic Western-style architecture, bustling morning markets, and coastal views.

The event offers two distances: half marathon and full marathon. Both start at the same time, creating a festival atmosphere where runners chase personal bests while being cheered on by crowds along the route. You can enjoy Hakodate and Goryokaku, refresh at Yunokawa Onsen, and enjoy fresh seafood at the three major markets of Hakodate before and after your run.

The course is moderately challenging with rolling terrain and some elevation change through city and coastal areas. It passes through sightseeing spots including Goryokaku Park, home of the famous star-shaped fort and Goryokaku Tower, the bay area, and Yunokawa Onsen district. Participation memento includes original design goods and certificate for all runners who participate. The race is also a partnership race of RUN as ONE – Tokyo Marathon, where top finishers are recommended as semi-elite runners for Tokyo Marathon, giving competitive runners an extra incentive.

The maximum number of participants is about 8,000 for full and half marathon combined, with 4,000 runners allocated to each distance on a first-come first-served basis. The atmosphere is welcoming for both local and overseas runners, with English information available.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: June 2027 (Dates TBD)

Expo and Bib Collection: Packet pickup and participation memento pickup will be held at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium and surrounding facilities.

Race Day: Both half marathon and full marathon will be held on a day in June 2027, with race start at 9 AM after opening ceremony and full marathon closing at 3 PM.

The rough annual schedule is last Sunday in June, but final date is to be announced.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Primary Venue: Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium, 22-24 Chiyogadaicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0013. This is also referred to as Hakodate Dotsuku Sports Garden and Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium Start and Finish. The stadium serves as start and finish for both half marathon and full marathon courses.

The stadium includes athletic track, grandstands, changing tents, baggage storage, medical center, and post-race rest area. It is located near JR Hakodate Station area and is accessible by tram to Goryokaku Koenmae and Yunokawa Onsen stations.

Secondary Facilities: Pre-booked taxi stands, shuttle bus stops at JR Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station, JR Hakodate Station, Yunokawa Onsen tram station, and Goryokaku Koenmae tram station serve the venue.

Course Certification: The course starts and finishes at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium and is certified by JAAF. It is a city course that loops through Hakodate City, passing through bay area, Goryokaku district, and Yunokawa Onsen area, with scenic views of Hakodate’s coast and cityscape.

Full fixture or event schedule

Pre-Race Schedule:
Late Morning to Afternoon: Expo opens at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium with participation memento pickup from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Official merchandise, sponsor booths, and local product market are available.
Afternoon: Course briefing, opening ceremony rehearsal, and stage events featuring local performers.
Evening: Venue closure and preparation for race day.

Race Day Schedule:
Early Morning: Venue opens for baggage drop, security checks, and warm-up at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium. Opening ceremony with greetings from Hakodate City officials.
Morning Start Block: Both half marathon and full marathon start at same time at 9 AM from Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium after opening ceremony.
Late Morning: Runners pass through Goryokaku Koenmae, Yunokawa Onsen terminal area, and bay area. Spectators gather at Goryokaku Tower, Yunokawa Onsen footbath area, and morning markets.
Midday: Half marathon finishers arrive back at stadium, followed by full marathon front runners. Finish festival with food stalls and massage continues.
Early Afternoon: Full marathon course closes at 3 PM. Award ceremony for overall and age-group winners held at stadium main stage.
Afternoon: Venue closes after final finisher celebration.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Hakodate Marathon attracts a diverse field from across Hokkaido and Japan.

Elite and Invited Divisions: Divisions include invited athletes, registered with industrial or student associations, JAAF registered, and general. The event has seen record entries of 9,271 people with 5,037 in half marathon and 4,234 in marathon in recent record year, and total participant numbers of 8,314 with 4,448 in half marathon and 3,866 in marathon in another edition.

General Runners: General division is open to overseas participants as well, with participants from overseas able to apply for general category only. Quota is 4,000 runners per distance on first-come first-served basis, making early entry important.

Notable Performers: Past winners include Yuasa and Nishimura in half marathon, and runners such as Sota Hoshi with 2:19:42, Chifumi Oikawa, Manami Oyama with 2:54:17, and others who have chased personal bests through exotic atmosphere of Hakodate’s streets.

Community and Charity: Medical runners, charity runners, and local corporate team athletes from Fujitsu, Comodi Iida, and other groups participate, adding depth to field.

Tournament format & competition structure

Half Marathon Format: 21.0975 km certified course. Starts and finishes at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium. Quota 4,000 runners first-come first-served. Registration fee based on previous editions. Timing with net and gun times.

Full Marathon Format: 42.195 km certified course. Same start and finish at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium. Quota 4,000 runners first-come first-served. Official recognition by Japan Athletic Federation and AIMS.

Division Structure: Divisions are invited, registered with industrial or student associations, JAAF registered, and general. Participants from overseas can apply for general only.

Scoring and Awards: Overall ranking by gun time, net time provided for personal record. Current records are male 2 hours 15 mins 56 sec, female 2 hours 43 mins 16 sec. Prize money awarded to runners who break record of Hakodate Marathon. Awards for overall top finishers and age-group categories.

Partnership Race: Hakodate Marathon is partnership race of RUN as ONE – Tokyo Marathon. Drawing for all finishers, top three runners recommended as semi-elite runners for Tokyo Marathon following year, and in some editions top three recommended as general runners.

Time Limit Structure: Full marathon closing at 3 PM, approximately six hours after start. Half marathon with generous cutoffs. Course closed progressively.

Match/event times

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

Memento Pickup: Participation memento pickup 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on previous day at stadium.

Start Time: Both half marathon and full marathon start at same time at 9 AM from Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium after opening ceremony.

Cutoff and Finish: Full marathon closing at 3 PM, half marathon earlier. Checkpoints exist along course at locations such as horse race course area, Yunokawa terminal, and Goryokaku Koenmae.

Ceremony Times: Opening ceremony shortly before 9 AM start, award ceremony after elite finish at stadium main stage.

Venue Access: Shuttle bus timetable from JR Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station, JR Hakodate Station, Yunokawa Onsen tram station, and Goryokaku Koenmae tram station serves venue.

Ticket types

Spectating is free roadside viewing. Participation requires paid entry.

Half Marathon Entry: Full price $50.00 USD. Based on previous participation fees of 7,500 yen, 6,500 yen in 2025 edition, and 5,000 yen in earlier editions. Includes participation memento and certificate for all runners who participate. Original goods included.

Full Marathon Entry: Full price $87.00 USD. Based on previous participation fees of 13,000 yen, 12,000 yen in 2025 edition, and 9,000 yen in earlier editions. Includes participation memento, certificate, timing chip, baggage service, and post-race hospitality.

Overseas General Entry: Same prices but participants from overseas can apply for general only. Registration fee will not be refunded under any circumstances as per official rules.

Charity and Special Entry: When available, charity entries at $150.00 USD to $200.00 USD offering guaranteed entry and supporting local community projects.

All prices converted to USD from previous JPY editions. If pricing not announced for 2027, previous edition pricing of 7,500 JPY for half and 13,000 JPY for full applies.

Ticket release phases

Phase One Priority and Early Entry: Early entry opens several months before race day via official site https://hakodate-marathon.jp and RUNNET. Invited athletes and JAAF registered runners have priority.

Phase Two General Entry: General public entry opens via RUNNET and JTB Sports. Quota 4,000 runners per distance first-come first-served, so early application recommended. Record-breaking entry numbers show event closes quickly.

Phase Three Additional Sales: If capacity remains after initial window, additional sales conducted until quotas filled. No lottery in recent editions, but first-come first-served creates urgency.

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

VIP & hospitality options

Chiyogadai Premium Lounge: Full price $90.00 USD. Located at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium, includes heated lounge, private changing, priority baggage, light breakfast, and reserved seating for opening ceremony.

Finish VIP Tent: Full price $80.00 USD. At stadium finish area, includes indoor rest area, priority massage, hot meal featuring Hakodate seafood, and family meeting zone.

Goryokaku and Yunokawa Sightseeing Package: Full price $130.00 USD. Includes guided tour to Goryokaku Tower, Goryokaku Park star-shaped fort, Yunokawa Onsen footbath, and three major markets of Hakodate with bus transport while runner is on course.

Hakodate Seafood Experience: Full price $110.00 USD. Evening before race includes private tour to Hakodate morning market, squid fishing experience, and fresh seafood dinner.

All hospitality includes English support and official program.

Stadium & event rules

Eligibility: Half marathon and full marathon open to runners 18 years and older. Divisions include invited, industrial or student associations, JAAF registered, and general. Overseas participants can apply for general only.

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 Chiyogadai Park Athletic 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, coast, and sightseeing spots, so be mindful of tram tracks near Goryokaku Koenmae.

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

Conduct: Shortcutting, receiving outside assistance, starting in wrong block, or unsportsmanlike conduct results in disqualification. Completion rate in past has been just under 59 percent in some editions due to challenging conditions, so pacing is important.

Media Consent: Entry includes consent for photos, video, and results taken at Chiyogadai Park and surrounding course for promotion.

How to get there

Hakodate is located at southern tip of Hokkaido, accessible via air and rail.

By Air: Hakodate Airport is fifteen minutes by shuttle bus to Yunokawa Onsen and twenty minutes to city center. Direct flights from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Chitose. Pre-booked taxi available from airport.

By Train: JR Hokkaido Hokuto Shinkansen serves Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station, then transfer to Hakodate Liner to JR Hakodate Station. From Tokyo, take Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin Hakodate Hokuto. JR Hakodate Station is close to tram lines to Goryokaku Koenmae and Yunokawa Onsen.

To Venue: Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium is ten minutes by tram or bus from JR Hakodate Station. Take tram to Goryokaku Koenmae or Yunokawa Onsen and walk. Shuttle bus timetable from JR Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station, JR Hakodate Station, Yunokawa Onsen, and Goryokaku Koenmae serves venue.

Driving: Use Hakodate Expressway to Hakodate Interchange, then ten minutes to city center. Parking at stadium limited; use designated lots at Hakodate Arena and Yunokawa Onsen area with shuttle.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport:
Hakodate City Tram: Two routes start from Yunokawa, stopping at Goryokaku Koenmae, Hakodate Ekimae, en route to Jujigai and other destinations. Route No.2 stops at Horai-cho and Aoyagi-cho en route to Yachigashira. Route No.5 stops at Suehiro-cho and Omachi en route to Hakodate Dock-mae. Day pass $5.00 USD.

Shuttle Buses: Free shuttle buses operate from JR Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station, JR Hakodate Station, Yunokawa Onsen, and Goryokaku Koenmae to Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium on race morning.

City Buses: Bus Stop 2 Line 5 to Trappistine Convent and Goryokaku Tower, Line 96 to Yunokawa Onsen. Bus Stop 3 shuttle buses to Hakodate Station and Onuma Quasi-National Park.

Parking:
Official Parking: Use Hakodate Arena parking, Chiyogadai Park peripheral lots, and Yunokawa Onsen area lots. Rate $5.00 USD per day with free shuttle to start.

Restrictions: Roads along course through city, coast, and sightseeing spots are closed during race hours. Illegal parking will be towed. Follow volunteer guidance.

Bicycle: Free bicycle parking available at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium. Bicycle useful for moving between viewing points.

Accommodation areas

Chiyogadai and Goryokaku Area: Best for proximity to start and finish. Hotels such as Hotel Gracery Hakodate, Hakodate Goryokaku Hotel, and Century Marina Hakodate offer rates $70.00 USD to $100.00 USD per night. Walking distance to stadium and Goryokaku Tower.

Hakodate Station and Bay Area: Most convenient for train travelers and morning markets. Hotels such as JR Inn Hakodate, La Vista Hakodate Bay, and Hakodate Kokusai Hotel offer $65.00 USD to $110.00 USD per night with breakfast and onsen.

Yunokawa Onsen Area: Famous hot spring resort area with footbaths and onsen hotels. Ideal for pre-race relaxation and post-race recovery. Airport area rates $90.00 USD to $130.00 USD per night. Fifteen minutes by tram to city center.

Motomachi and Western District: Historic Western-style architecture area with boutique hotels and guesthouses. Rates $80.00 USD per night. Good for sightseeing.

Shin Hakodate Hokuto Area: For travelers arriving via Shinkansen, hotels near Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station offer $60.00 USD per night with direct shuttle to venue.

Early booking essential as summer is peak tourism season in Hakodate with markets and festivals.

Food & drink at the venue

Hakodate is famous for fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Aid Stations: Water and sports drink provided at regular intervals. Nutrition stations feature Hakodate specialties such as squid crackers, cheese cake, and local citrus. Support is hearty with local volunteers.

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

Expo Food Market: At Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium, vendors sell Hakodate ramen, squid shiumai, Jingisukan lamb, and shio ramen. Prices range $3.00 USD to $9.00 USD.

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

Local Recommendation: After race, visit three major markets of Hakodate: Hakodate Morning Market near station for squid and sea urchin, Yunokawa Onsen market, and Bay Area market. Enjoy fresh seafood that Hakodate is famous for.

Accessibility

Organizers aim for inclusive access.

Stadium Access: Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium has barrier-free entrances, accessible restrooms, elevator access to grandstand, and priority viewing areas for wheelchair users.

Course Viewing: Course is paved and mostly flat with some rolling sections, suitable for wheelchair spectators except tram track crossings near Goryokaku Koenmae which require caution.

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 JR stations and venue.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon Main Race: Core experience covering 42.195 km starting and finishing at Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium, passing through Goryokaku, Yunokawa Onsen, and bay area. Best viewing at start for opening ceremony, at Goryokaku Koenmae for star-shaped fort backdrop, and at finish stadium for emotional finishes. Exotic atmosphere of Hakodate’s streets makes it unique.

Half Marathon Race: Same start time as full marathon, using first half of course. Perfect for runners who want to experience Hakodate’s charms with less distance. Often sees competitive times due to cooler summer temperatures in Hokkaido.

Goryokaku Park Segment: Mid-course passage through Goryokaku Park area with views of tower and fort is most photographed spot.

Yunokawa Onsen Segment: Coastal section near Yunokawa Onsen with footbaths and onsen hotels, where spectators cheer while enjoying hot spring atmosphere.

Post-Race Add-ons: After race, add Yunokawa Onsen refresh, Goryokaku Tower night view, and fresh seafood at three major markets. These allow you to fully enjoy unique charms of Hakodate.

Previous year’s highlights

Recent editions show growth and community spirit.

The Hakodate Half Marathon and Marathon took place on a course starting and finishing at Hakodate Dotsuku Sports Garden, with 4,448 people running half marathon and 3,866 in marathon for total participant number of 8,314. Cheered on by crowds, runners chased personal bests through exotic atmosphere of Hakodate’s streets. Record-breaking entry of 9,271 people entered race, 5,037 in half marathon and 4,234 in marathon, showing popularity.

Past winners include Yuasa and Nishimura in half marathon, and marathon winners such as Sota Hoshi with 2:19:42, Manami Oyama with 2:54:17, and Chifumi Oikawa. Completion rate has been just under 59 percent in some hot editions, showing challenging but rewarding nature.

The event is fixed schedule on last Sunday in June annually, making it a summer tradition in Hakodate. Maximum participants about 8,000 for full and half combined ensures quality organization.

Community highlights include strong volunteer support, refreshing at Yunokawa Onsen after race, and enjoying fresh seafood at markets. Partnership with Tokyo Marathon as RUN as ONE race adds competitive incentive, with top three runners recommended as semi-elite runners for Tokyo Marathon following year.

Official tickets

All entries must be purchased through official channels.

Official Website: https://hakodate-marathon.jp/ – Provides race information, course maps, size charts, and final race guide. Venue is Chiyogadai Park Athletic Stadium.

Official Entry Platforms: RUNNET Japan at https://runnet.jp and JTB Sports at https://jtbsports.jp – Both listed as official booking sites.

Inquiry: Hakodate Marathon Executive Committee, Hakodate City. Contact via official site inquiry form.

Important: Entry closed once maximum capacity of 4,000 per distance has been reached. No race day entries or bib transfers permitted. Registration fee will not be refunded under any circumstances. Participants from overseas can apply for general only.

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