Kanagawa Marathon is a full-scale winter road race in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, and one of the most established half marathon events in Japan, having been held more than 25 times with support from Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant. The marathon consists of a half marathon and a 10 kilometers race in the Isogo Ward of Yokohama City, offering certified courses for personal best attempts.
The event is organized by Kanagawa Federation of Running Clubs, Sagamihara City Athletics Association, Kanagawa Newspaper, and R-Bies Sports Foundation, with Nisshin Oillio supporting by opening up the Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds for the start and finish line. This unique venue inside an industrial plant grounds creates distinctive atmosphere with large open spaces for warm-up, baggage keep, and post-race services.
Expect a loop course of about 10 km by JR Isogo Station, 15 minutes from Yokohama, run as certified road race on National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio. The course is flat and fast, ideal for personal best, with Isogo Thermal Power Station and J-Power facilities located on course, and volunteers from local companies providing water distribution support.
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The race attracts large Namban Rengo group and international runners, with half marathon divided into Special Session for faster runners and Speed Session for general runners, plus 10km race. Participation includes original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products, and PICSOON AI facial recognition photo download service.
Usually held in early February, Kanagawa Marathon serves as perfect winter tune-up for spring marathons, with crisp cool weather and strong community support from Yokohama Isogo area.
Event Date: February 7, 2027
Event Name: Kanagawa Marathon 2027
Location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
Venue: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant, 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City
Official Website: https://kanagawa-marathon.jp/
Organizers: Kanagawa Federation of Running Clubs, Sagamihara City Athletics Association, Kanagawa Newspaper, R-Bies Sports Foundation
Sponsor: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant provides start and finish line grounds
Course Type: Half marathon and 10km on loop of about 10km, certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations
Start Line: National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio
Finish Line: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant
Opening Ceremony: 9:00 AM on race day
Start Times Based on Recent Edition: 9:00 for 10km, 10:15 for Half Marathon Special Session, 11:40 for Half Marathon Speed Session
Entry Period: Typically September to November of previous year, until full capacity, for example September 24 to November 23 in recent edition
Capacity: Half marathon 6200 people, 10km 2300 people in recent edition
Exact check point closing times and entry period for 2027 edition announced via official website closer to event.
Main Venue: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant, 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Venue includes Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds which host start, finish, check-in, baggage keep, and award ceremony areas.
Start Location: National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio, wide industrial road that allows large wave starts.
Finish Location: Inside Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant, providing safe finish chute and recovery area.
Course Description: Half marathon and 10km on loop of about 10 km by JR Isogo station, 15 minutes from Yokohama. Course is flat, fast, certified, with loop design that allows spectators to see runners multiple times. Isogo Thermal Power Station located on course, Isogo Ward coastal industrial area with views of Yokohama Bay and industrial landscape.
Check-in Location: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant, 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City. Check-in address same as venue.
Participant Prize Area: Distribution of original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products planned, and PICSOON service.
Transportation Facility: 5 minutes walk from Isogo Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line, making venue easily accessible without cars or bicycles allowed.
No Parking: There is no parking at venue, as noted in race information, emphasizing public transport use.
Race Day Schedule Based on Recent Editions:
Morning Opening Ceremony: Opening ceremony at 9:00 AM inside Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds, with welcome from Kanagawa Federation of Running Clubs and sponsor Nisshin Oillio.
10km Race: 10km certified race starts at 9:00 AM with time limit 1 hour and 10 minutes, for male and female age 16 or older. Course closes approximately 10:10 AM for 10km.
Half Marathon Special Session: Half Marathon Special Session certified starts at 10:15 AM, for male and female age 16 or older, time limit 1 hour and 15 minutes. This session requires record certificate submission between designated period, for example between January 1 three years prior and November of previous year, submitted by email to event secretariat once payment confirmed. Submission deadline typically few days after entry close.
Half Marathon Speed Session: Half Marathon Speed Session certified starts at 11:40 AM, for general participants age 16 or older, time limit 2 hours and 20 minutes, more accessible for personal best attempts without strict qualifying time.
Check Points and Time Limits: Athletes who fail to pass check point before it closes must drop out and follow instructions given by officials in charge. Athletes who fail to reach check point before time listed must drop out and quickly move out of course to sidewalks, get on sweep bus and return timing chips.
Award Ceremony: Award ceremony for top 3 finishers in both half marathon and 10km held after final session finishes, inside plant grounds.
Cheer Bib Distribution: On day of race, sticker-type bibs with cheering messages randomly provided as cheer bib to stick on back, distributed based on preference indicated during application. Sticker-type bibs may peel off easily and adhesive marks may remain depending on material of clothing.
Eligibility: Male and female age 16 or older for all events. Half Marathon Special Session and Speed Session both certified, but Special Session requires qualifying record certificate.
Half Marathon Special Session: For faster runners who can complete half marathon within 1 hour and 15 minutes, requires record certificate submission. Participants must submit relevant record certificate obtained during qualification window by email to event secretariat once payment confirmed. This session attracts elite club runners, university athletes, and sub-elite runners aiming for fast times on flat certified course.
Half Marathon Speed Session: For general participants who can complete within 2 hours and 20 minutes, no qualifying time required beyond self-reported ability. Attracts 6200 people in recent edition, including large Namban Rengo group, international runners, and recreational runners.
10km Race: For male and female age 16 or older, time limit 1 hour and 10 minutes, capacity 2300 people. Popular for beginners and those seeking shorter winter race.
Age Categories: Awards section on basic information page provides award age classification, typically 10-year age groups for half marathon and 10km.
International Participants: Open to international runners via Run Japan portal and JTB entry, with English information available. Credit card and PayPal payment options may be unavailable for participants in certain countries like Turkey, as noted in announcements.
Capacity Management: Entry closed once maximum capacity reached, first-come first-served basis. For example, recent edition closed early when half marathon reached 6200 and 10km 2300.
Format: Road race on paved roads, certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations, flat loop course of about 10 km repeated for half marathon distance.
Competition Structure: Two half marathon sessions with different time limits to accommodate different ability levels while ensuring course closure schedule. Special Session with 1 hour 15 minutes limit ensures fast runners complete early, Speed Session with 2 hours 20 minutes allows broader participation.
Timing: Chip timing used for all events, with net and gross times recorded. Top 3 finishers in both half marathon and 10km recognized.
Course Closure: Course closure times tentative but enforced, with check points closing progressively. Athletes who fail to reach check point and drop out should get on sweep bus and return timing chips to officials in charge.
Charity and Community: Event supported by Kanagawa Marathon Water Distribution Volunteers and local community groups, with J-Power Isogo Thermal Power Station staff volunteering on course.
Regulation: Race conducted in accordance with World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules and JAAF rules. Doping tests may be conducted for top finishers.
Typical Race Day Timeline:
9:00 AM: Opening ceremony at Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant and 10km race start at National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio.
10:15 AM: Half Marathon Special Session start for certified fast runners.
11:40 AM: Half Marathon Speed Session start for general participants.
Time Limits: 10km 1 hour 10 minutes, Half Marathon Special Session 1 hour 15 minutes, Half Marathon Speed Session 2 hours 20 minutes.
Award Ceremony: After final session, top 3 finishers in both half marathon and 10km awarded on stage inside plant grounds.
Participant Prize Distribution: Original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products, and PICSOON AI facial recognition photo download service provided at finish area.
Kanagawa 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 Recent Editions:
Half Marathon General: 7,000 Yen, approximately $47, for adult participants. Age 16 to 18 discounted fee 2,500 Yen, approximately $17.
10km: 5,500 Yen, approximately $37, for adult participants. Age 16 to 18 discounted fee 2,500 Yen, approximately $17.
Historical Fees: In earlier edition 2019, half marathon 5,000 Yen, approximately $33, and 10km 4,000 Yen, approximately $27, showing gradual increase due to enhanced services and products. In 2026 edition, fees as above include original bath towel and other prizes.
Spectator Access: Free and open to public along National Route 357 and around Isogo Station area, including views of start and finish inside plant grounds where allowed.
Entry Procedure: Via internet applications accepted on first-come first-served basis until maximum capacity reached. Early entry and general entry periods with same fee structure in recent edition.
Additional Fees: Depending on payment method, fees and other charges must be paid. Including accident insurance etc. In case of visually-impaired runner who will run with escort runner, special number card provided for exclusive use of escort runner.
No Refund Policy: Entry fee will not be refunded in event that event is cancelled due to reasons beyond control of organizer.
Entry Period Announcement: Entry period announced via official website and Run Japan portal.
Entry Period: Typically September to November of previous year, for example September 24 00:00 to November 23 23:59 in recent edition, open until full capacity.
Early Entry vs General Entry: Some editions have separate early entry period for returning runners or club members, but recent edition used same fee for both early and general entry.
Record Certificate Submission: For Special Session, record certificate submission deadline typically few days after entry close, for example Thursday November 27th in recent edition, submitted by email to event secretariat once payment confirmed.
Capacity Closure: Entry closed once maximum capacity reached, noted as marathon sold out on July 17 first come in some tracking sites, and entry closed until 30 November or until full.
Participation Information: Participation information posted on tournament website, so participants must check it. Race kit collection on day of event at venue.
Bib Pickup: No advance packet pickup in some editions, race kit collected on day of event at Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant.
Sponsor Hospitality: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant hosts sponsor guests inside plant grounds with hospitality including products and viewing areas.
Elite Athlete Support: Special Session runners receive dedicated start area and faster course with less congestion.
Volunteer Support: Kanagawa Marathon Water Distribution Volunteers and J-Power staff provide support, creating community hospitality atmosphere.
Participant Prize Premium: Original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products planned, and PICSOON AI facial recognition photo download service provide premium experience for all finishers.
Award Ceremony: Top 3 finishers recognized with trophies and prizes on stage.
Cheer Bib: Unique cheer bib with cheering messages provided randomly to inspire rivals and teammates, adding fun hospitality element.
Regulation: Race conducted in accordance with World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules and FY2027 Rules and Regulations of JAAF and Kanagawa Marathon. WA Road Race Label Regulations and WA Advertising Regulations apply as WA Label Road Race.
Eligibility: Male and female age 16 or older for all events. Special Session requires record certificate.
Time Limits: 10km 1 hour 10 minutes, Half Marathon Special Session 1 hour 15 minutes, Half Marathon Speed Session 2 hours 20 minutes. Athletes who fail to pass check point before it closes must drop out and follow officials instructions.
Course Rules: No cars or bicycles allowed on course. No banners, placards for advertising allowed. Costumes must follow guidelines set by organizer and dress sensibly. If staff instructions not followed, may not be allowed to participate.
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.
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 inside plant grounds, but organizer not responsible for theft, loss or destruction unless caused by intentional or gross negligence.
Insurance: Organizer provides accident insurance, but those who want more compensation should take out own insurance.
Personal Information: Organizer handles personal information in strict compliance with Personal Information Protection Law. Entry information may be used in coverage.
Address: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant, 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Nearest Station: Isogo Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line, 5 minutes walk from venue. Isogo Station is 15 minutes from Yokohama Station by train, making venue easily accessible from central Yokohama and Tokyo.
From Yokohama Station: Take JR Keihin Tohoku Line direct to Isogo Station, about 15 minutes, then 5 minutes walk to venue via National Route 357.
From Tokyo: From Tokyo Station, take JR Keihin Tohoku Line direct to Isogo Station, about 50 minutes, or Tokaido Line to Yokohama then Keihin Tohoku Line to Isogo.
From Airport: From Haneda Airport, take Keikyu Line to Yokohama then JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Isogo, total about 60 minutes. From Narita Airport, take Narita Express to Yokohama then Keihin Tohoku Line, total about 120 minutes.
Start Line Access: Start line on National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio, 5 minutes walk from Isogo Station, clearly marked on race day with signage and volunteers.
No Cars or Bicycles Allowed: As noted in access information, no cars or bicycles allowed at venue, public transport required.
Public Transport Strongly Recommended: There is no parking at venue as per race information, open until 30 November or until full but no parking provision. Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds used for race operations, no public parking available.
Train: JR Keihin Tohoku Line is main access, with Isogo Station closest. Trains run frequently with extra early morning services on race day.
Bus: Yokohama City buses serve Isogo Station area, but road closures on National Route 357 may cause diversions.
Taxi: Taxis can drop off near Isogo Station but cannot enter National Route 357 during race closures.
Accessibility Transport: Isogo Station has elevators. Venue inside industrial plant has flat access but may have industrial surfaces.
Shuttle: No official shuttle mentioned, but short walk from Isogo Station eliminates need.
Best Areas to Stay:
Isogo and Sugita Area: Closest area with business hotels such as Hotel New Isogo and local business hotels ranging $60 to $100 per night. Walking distance to venue, ideal for early race morning.
Yokohama Station Area: Business hub with many hotels like Yokohama Bay Sheraton, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Yokohama, and APA Hotel Yokohama-Kannai ranging $80 to $160 per night. 15 minutes train to Isogo Station.
Kannai and Sakuragicho: Historic Yokohama area with boutique hotels and business hotels ranging $70 to $130 per night, 10 minutes train to Isogo.
Budget Options: Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel chains near Isogo, Negishi, and Yokohama Station offer $45 to $75 per night.
Tokyo Area: For those combining with Tokyo sightseeing, hotels near Tokyo Station offer 50 minutes train to Isogo, ranging $80 to $200 per night, but early morning travel required.
Book at least one month in advance as Kanagawa Marathon attracts 8500 runners plus families and coincides with winter tourism in Yokohama.
Inside Nisshin Oillio Plant: Participant prize includes Nisshin Oillio Group products planned, such as cooking oils and food products from sponsor. Post-race refreshment area with recovery drinks.
Isogo Station Area: Isogo Station area offers convenience stores, cafes, and local restaurants serving Yokohama specialties such as ramen, curry, and bento boxes for spectators and runners post-race.
Course Support: Official water stations along National Route 357 with water distribution volunteers from J-Power and local community groups.
Yokohama Specialties: Yokohama Station and Kannai areas offer famous Yokohama dishes such as iekei ramen, shumai, and seafood for post-race celebration.
No Outside Food Restrictions: No specific restrictions mentioned, but following staff instructions for cleanliness inside plant grounds required.
Venue Accessibility: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds are flat industrial area with accessible access from Isogo Station, but may have some industrial surfaces. Accessible restrooms available inside plant facilities.
Course Viewing Accessibility: National Route 357 is wide road with flat sidewalks, accessible for wheelchair viewing, though crowds can be dense near start and finish.
Accessible Participation: Male and female age 16 or older can participate, including visually-impaired runners with escort runner provision, special number card provided for escort runner.
Contact for Accessibility: Contact Kanagawa Marathon Executive Committee within R-Bies via https://runnet.jp/form/pub/rbs/kanagawa_inq for specific accessibility needs.
Cheer Bib: Sticker-type cheer bibs may be difficult for some clothing materials, adhesive marks may remain, participants should be aware in advance.
Half Marathon Special Session: Best for watching fast elite club runners aiming for sub 1 hour 15 minutes, with competitive field and fast times on certified flat course.
Half Marathon Speed Session: Best for broader participation atmosphere with 6200 runners, including large Namban Rengo group and international runners, offering lively community running experience.
10km Race: Ideal for beginners and those seeking shorter winter race, with 1 hour 10 minutes time limit and 2300 participants, perfect for personal best attempt.
Start and Finish at Nisshin Oillio Plant: Best place to feel industrial plant venue atmosphere, watch mass starts and finishes, and enjoy participant prize distribution including original bath towel.
National Route 357 Viewing: Best roadside viewing along National Route 357 by JR Isogo Station, where loop design allows spectators to see runners multiple times, with Isogo Thermal Power Station backdrop.
Long History: Nisshin Oillio supports Kanagawa Marathon which has been held more than 25 times, by opening up Yokohama Isogo Plant grounds for start and finish line, demonstrating long-term community commitment.
Community Support: Kanagawa Marathon Water Distribution Volunteers and J-Power Isogo Thermal Power Station staff volunteer on course, with Isogo Thermal Power Station located on course of half marathon, creating unique community-industrial collaboration.
Certified Fast Course: Half marathon and 10km both certified by JAAF, offering official record potential and personal best opportunities on flat loop course of about 10 km by JR Isogo station, 15 minutes from Yokohama.
Namban Rengo Participation: Usually with large Namban Rengo group, international running club based in Tokyo-Yokohama area, adding international atmosphere and competitive depth.
Participant Experience: Recent editions provided original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products, and PICSOON AI facial recognition photo download service, enhancing participant experience beyond typical half marathon.
Entry Popularity: Marathon sold out on July 17 first come in some tracking, and entry closed until 30 November or until full, showing strong demand for winter half marathon in Yokohama area.
Official Website: https://kanagawa-marathon.jp/
Run Japan Portal: https://runjapan.jp/ for English entry information and qualification details
Entry Period: Typically September to November of previous year, until full capacity, via internet applications on first-come first-served basis
Contact: Kanagawa Marathon Executive Committee within R-Bies via https://runnet.jp/form/pub/rbs/kanagawa_inq
Sponsor: Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant provides venue
Venue Address: 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 5 minutes walk from Isogo Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line
No Parking: No cars or bicycles allowed, public transport required
Capacity: Half marathon 6200 people, 10km 2300 people in recent edition
Kanagawa Marathon consists of half marathon and 10 kilometers race in Isogo Ward of Yokohama City. Half Marathon offers two sessions: Special Session with time limit 1 hour and 15 minutes requiring record certificate submission for fast runners, and Speed Session with time limit 2 hours and 20 minutes for general participants. 10km race has time limit 1 hour and 10 minutes, all certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and run on loop of about 10 km by JR Isogo station.
Venue is Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant at 1 Shinmoricho, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, 5 minutes walk from Isogo Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line, 15 minutes from Yokohama Station. Start line is National Route 357 in front of Nisshin Oillio, finish line inside plant grounds. There is no parking at venue, no cars or bicycles allowed, so public transport via JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Isogo Station is required and strongly recommended.
Participation fee for half marathon is 7,000 yen approximately $47 for adults and 2,500 yen approximately $17 for age 16 to 18, while 10km is 5,500 yen approximately $37 for adults and same youth discount. Fee includes original bath towel, number card clips, Nisshin Oillio Group products planned, PICSOON AI facial recognition photo download service, timing chip, and accident insurance. Historical fees were 5,000 yen for half and 4,000 yen for 10km in earlier edition.
Special Session is certified fast session with time limit 1 hour and 15 minutes for runners who can submit record certificate obtained between designated period, such as between January 1 three years prior and November of previous year, to event secretariat by email after payment confirmed. Speed Session is general session with time limit 2 hours and 20 minutes open to all who can finish within limit, without qualifying time requirement, attracting 6200 participants including large Namban Rengo group.
Yes, international runners can participate via Run Japan portal and JTB entry at official website, with English information available for half marathon and 10km for male and female age 16 or older. Entry is via internet on first-come first-served basis until maximum capacity reached, typically September to November of previous year, with participation information posted on tournament website and race kit collection on day of event at Nisshin Oillio Group Yokohama Isogo Plant.
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