Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2027 – Japan

• February 21, 2027
  Event date:
• February 21, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon is a full marathon that celebrates the spirit of Sakamoto Ryoma, the legendary samurai from Tosa who helped shape modern Japan, and the generous hospitality of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. This is not a big-city race with endless concrete, it is a journey that starts in the historic castle town of Kochi and flows outward to the sea, rivers, and countryside. Expect heartfelt cheers from locals, aid stations that showcase Kochi’s regional specialties, and a course that balances urban culture with breathtaking natural beauty.

The race is officially certified and has a generous seven-hour time limit with cutoff points, making it welcoming for first-time marathon runners as well as seasoned competitors chasing a personal best. The route is rolling rather than flat, with one famous challenge: the Urado Bridge climb around the halfway point, offering a 40-meter elevation gain. Once conquered, an overwhelming panorama of the Pacific Ocean opens up, the same view admired by Sakamoto Ryoma himself. From there you run along the coastline with refreshing sea breeze, pass the mouth of the Niyodo River, hailed as the miraculous clear stream famous for Niyodo Blue, and continue through Nankoku City and Tosa City before finishing.

Kochi is well known for fresh local delicacies and is very popular among tourists for bonito, yuzu, and sake. The race captures that identity, with food, yosakoi dance performances, and warm community support from start to finish.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: The Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2027 is scheduled for February 21, 2027.

Expo and Bib Collection: Packet pickup will be held on the day before the main race at Kochi Central Park and on race morning at Kochi City Josai Park.

Race Day: The main certified full marathon will be held on February 21, 2027, starting in front of Kencho-mae Station area.

The official English site for the event is https://ryoma-marathon.jp/english/ and the capacity is set at 10,000 people for the full marathon.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Start Venue: In front of Kencho-mae Station of City Tram, Kencho-mae, 5 Chome-6 Honmachi, Kochi City. This is a central location three minute-walk from Harimaya-bashi Station of streetcar/tram that connects to JR Kochi Station. The start is set against the backdrop of Kochi Castle town and Kochi Prefectural Government Office.

Finish Venue: Haruno Athletic Recreation Park, Haruno-cho Hohara, Kochi City, specifically the Haruno Comprehensive Athletic Park Athletics Stadium. This is a full athletics stadium with grandstand seating, changing rooms, baggage storage, medical center, and post-race rest area.

Check-in Venues: On the previous day, check-in is at Toyo Denka Central Park, 1-11-27 Obiyamachi, Kochi. On race day morning, check-in is at Josei Park, 1-8 Marunouchi, Kochi. Both locations are seven minute-walk from Gurando-Dori Station of streetcar/tram that connects to Harimaya-bashi Station.

The course connects these venues, passing through Kochi City, Nankoku City, and Tosa City, using public roads closed to traffic and certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

Full fixture or event schedule

Pre-Race Schedule:
Late Morning to Afternoon: Expo opens at Kochi Central Park with bib collection, original T-shirt distribution, and official merchandise. Size chart is available on official website and size changes cannot be made after registration.
Mid-Afternoon: Stage events featuring Yosakoi dance, local music, and talk shows with invited guests and previous winners.
Evening: Final venue closure and preparation for race day shuttle operations.

Race Day Schedule:
Early Morning: Josei Park opens for race day bib collection, baggage drop, and warm-up. Opening ceremony begins at 8:45 AM at start area.
Morning Start: Full marathon certified race starts at 09:00 from Kencho-mae. Runners are grouped by predicted finish time to ensure smooth start.
Late Morning to Midday: Runners cross Urado Bridge, experience Pacific Ocean coastline, and reach Niyodo River area. Spectators gather at Urado Bay and Katsurahama Beach area.
Afternoon: First finishers arrive at Haruno Athletic Recreation Park. Finish festival with food stalls, massage service, and local delicacies continues.
Late Afternoon: Course closure after seven-hour limit, final finisher celebration, and award ceremony for overall top ten and age-group top three.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon welcomes a diverse field that reflects both competitive ambition and community celebration.

Elite and Sub-Elite Runners: While not a World Athletics Elite Label race, the event attracts strong Japanese corporate team athletes and collegiate runners seeking early-season form. Past editions have seen winners such as Daisuke Ikemoto with 2:28:06 and Chiho Matoba with 2:58:51 in recent total finisher counts of 9,589. The race also sees university stars such as Hiroaki Furukawa from Tokyo University and Shota Shiode from Aoyama Gakuin University, winners of Hakone Ekiden, who have used Kochi as a springboard.

General Citizen Runners: The majority of the field consists of citizen runners from across Japan and overseas, with capacity of 10,000 people. Recent participation trends show around 9,300 to 10,000 entries despite maximum field size of 12,000, making it accessible without lottery in some years but closing quickly after hurry notices.

Age Groups and Categories: Awards are given for 1st to 10th overall by gender, and 1st to 3rd by generation: Under 29, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70 or older. This structure encourages broad participation from young adults to veteran runners.

International Runners: Overseas participants are supported through RUNNET GLOBAL and English information on official site. The event is known for hospitality, with English-speaking volunteers at key stations.

Tournament format & competition structure

Distance: Single distance format – 42.195km certified full marathon. No half marathon or 10km within same event, keeping focus on the classic distance.

Certification: Course is certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations and measured for official records. Time limit is seven hours with cutoff points at multiple locations. Cutoff times are strictly enforced for traffic reopening.

Start System: Net and gun timing with timing chip rental included in entry. Pacers are provided for various target times, helping first-time marathoners achieve their goal.

Scoring and Awards: Overall ranking by gun time, net time provided for personal record. Trophies for 1st to 10th overall men and women. Age-group awards for each generation category. Finisher certificates and medals for all who complete within time limit.

Qualification: Open to runners age 18 or older by gender, with no strict qualifying time but runners expected to be able to complete within seven hours. The generous limit makes it welcoming for beginners while still competitive for advanced runners.

Community Format: The marathon doubles as a cultural festival, with food stations featuring Kochi specialties such as bonito Tataki, yuzu drinks, and local sake tasting for spectators.

Match/event times

Exact times are confirmed in final race guide released by official organizer.

Check-in Times: Previous day check-in runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Central Park. Race day check-in runs from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM at Josei Park.

Opening Ceremony: Begins at 8:45 AM at start area in front of Kencho-mae.

Start Time: Full marathon starts at 09:00 from Kencho-mae Station area.

Cutoff Points: Multiple cutoffs exist along route, including around Urado Bridge, Niyodo River area, and Tosa City. Final cutoff at Haruno Athletic Recreation Park after seven hours.

Finish Window: Elite runners finish around mid-morning, majority of field finishes midday to early afternoon, with final finisher celebration before venue closure.

Access Note: Start and finish are in different locations, so baggage transport service is provided from start to finish area.

Ticket types

Spectating is free along entire course. Participation requires paid entry.

Full Marathon Certified Entry: Full price $87.00 USD. Based on official participation fee of 13,000 JPY listed on Run Japan. Includes original T-shirt, timing chip rental, baggage drop, medical assistance, pacer service, drink stations, nutrition stations, toilets, post-race meal, and massage service.

Overseas Entry via RUNNET GLOBAL: Same price of $87.00 USD but includes English support, additional handling, and option to purchase refundable booking option for extra fee.

Charity and Furusato Entry: In some editions, additional donation entries are offered at $150.00 USD to $200.00 USD, allowing guaranteed entry while supporting Kochi Prefecture community projects.

Group Entry: Corporate and club teams may enter as group but each runner pays individual fee of $87.00 USD.

All prices converted to USD. If pricing has not been announced for 2027, previous edition pricing of 13,000 JPY for full marathon will apply.

Ticket release phases

Phase One Early Bird and Local Priority: Initial entry opens in early August and prioritizes Kochi residents and previous finishers. Entry period in 2025 edition was August 1 12:00 to October 31 23:59.

Phase Two General Entry: General public entry via RUNNET and RUNNET GLOBAL opens concurrently and remains open until capacity of 10,000 is reached. The event has closed six days after hurry notice in past, so early application is advised.

Phase Three Additional Cap Increase: Organizers may raise full marathon entry cap if demand is high, as seen with notice titled We’re raising the full marathon entry cap. Additional slots are released on first-come basis.

Phase Four Final Instructions and Waitlist: Once entry is closed, final race guide, bib numbers, and T-shirt sizes are distributed. No race day entries or bib transfers are permitted. Credit card and PayPal payments are available, though some restrictions apply by country.

VIP & hospitality options

Ryoma Hospitality Lounge: Full price $120.00 USD. Located near start area at Kochi Central Park, includes heated lounge, private changing, priority baggage service, light breakfast with local ingredients, and reserved seating for opening ceremony.

Haruno Finish VIP Tent: Full price $95.00 USD. At Haruno Athletic Recreation Park, includes access to indoor rest area, massage priority, hot meal featuring bonito and Niyodo River cuisine, and family meeting zone.

Sightseeing Package for Supporters: Full price $150.00 USD. Includes guided tour to Katsurahama Beach to see Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and statue, Urado Bay cruise, and Niyodo River viewing spot. Bus transport included while runner is on course.

Kochi Castle Premium Experience: Full price $80.00 USD. Evening before race, includes private tour of Kochi Castle, sake tasting, and Yosakoi dance workshop.

All hospitality includes English support and official program.

Stadium & event rules

Eligibility: Participants must be 18 years or older on race day, by gender, and able to complete 42.195km within seven hours. No wheelchair division officially, but inquiries can be made to executive committee.

Bib and Chip: Bib must be worn on chest, visible at all times. Timing chip rental must be returned after finish. Loss incurs $15.00 USD fee.

Baggage: Baggage drop at start area transported to finish area at Haruno Park. Valuables, fragile items, and perishables not accepted. Bags must be within size limits.

Course Rules: No bicycles, strollers, pets, or outside assistance vehicles allowed on course. No headphones covering both ears recommended for safety. Follow police and volunteer instructions at all times. Urado Bridge section requires single file in narrow parts.

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

Conduct: Littering outside designated zones prohibited. Spitting and public urination prohibited. Failure to pass cutoff points will result in disqualification and transportation to finish area.

How to get there

Kochi is located on Shikoku Island, southern region of Japan, well known as birthplace of Ryoma.

By Air: Kochi Ryoma Airport is thirty minutes by airport limousine bus to JR Kochi Station. Direct flights from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Fukuoka. From airport, transfer to streetcar/tram to Harimaya-bashi Station.

By Train: JR Dosan Line and Tosa Kuroshio Railway serve Kochi area. From Okayama, take Nanpu Limited Express via Seto Ohashi Bridge to Kochi Station, about two and a half hours. From Tokyo, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Okayama then transfer.

To Start: Start line in front of Kencho-mae Station of city tram is three minute-walk from Harimaya-bashi Station that connects to JR Kochi Station. On previous day, access is three minute-walk from Harimaya-bashi Station. On race day, seven minute-walk from Gurando-Dori Station that connects to Harimaya-bashi Station.

To Finish: Haruno Athletic Recreation Park is thirty minutes by shuttle bus from Kochi Station. Free shuttle buses operate for runners and spectators between finish and Kochi City center.

Driving: Use Kochi Expressway to Kochi Interchange, then ten minutes to city center. Parking at start area is prohibited; use designated lots at Haruno Park and Central Park.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport:
Tosa Electric Railway Tram: City tram connects JR Kochi Station to Harimaya-bashi Station and Kencho-mae. Frequent service on race morning. Day pass $5.00 USD.

Shuttle Buses: Free shuttle buses operate from JR Kochi Station to Kochi Central Park on previous day, and from JR Kochi Station to Haruno Park on race day. Also shuttle from finish back to Kochi Station after race.

Highway Buses: Direct buses from Osaka, Kobe, and Takamatsu to Kochi Station for supporters.

Parking:
Official Parking: Use Haruno Athletic Recreation Park parking for finish area, and Kochi City Central Park area lots for start. Rate $5.00 USD per day.

Restrictions: Roads along course through Kochi City, Nankoku City, and Tosa City are closed during race hours. Illegal parking will be towed. Follow volunteer guidance.

Bicycle: Free bicycle parking at Central Park and Josei Park. Bicycle is useful for moving between start and viewing points along Niyodo River.

Accommodation areas

Obiyamachi and Harimaya-bashi Area: Best for proximity to start and expo. Hotels such as Richmond Hotel Kochi and Hotel No.1 Kochi are within five minute-walk to Harimaya-bashi Station. Rates $70.00 USD to $90.00 USD per night.

Kochi Station Area: Most convenient for train travelers and shuttle buses. Business hotels such as JR Clement Inn Kochi and Dormy Inn Kochi offer $65.00 USD per night with breakfast.

Katsurahama and Urado Area: Scenic Pacific coast area near Urado Bridge climb. Ryokan and resort hotels with ocean views, ideal for family supporters who want to cheer near the famous bridge. Rates $100.00 USD to $140.00 USD per night.

Haruno and Tosa Area: Close to finish line, quiet countryside near Niyodo River mouth. Guesthouses and small hotels around $60.00 USD per night. Good for runners who want easy finish access.

Nankoku City Area: Near mid-course and Niyodo River viewing spots. Offers rural onsen and local guesthouses at $55.00 USD per night.

Early booking is essential as 10,000 runners plus families fill city hotels quickly.

Food & drink at the venue

Kochi is famous for fresh local delicacies and food is central to race experience.

Aid Stations: Drink stations provide water and sports drink at regular intervals. Nutrition stations feature Kochi specialties such as yuzu jelly, imo kenpi sweet potato snacks, and local citrus. At later sections, bonito broth soup is served.

Finish Area: Post-race meal includes original lunch box with Katsuo no Tataki seared bonito, rice, and miso soup. Vegetarian options available upon request.

Expo Food Market: At Kochi Central Park, vendors sell Sanuki and Tosa specialties, including bonito Tataki, Shimizu mackerel, yuzu drinks, and Kochi sake. Prices range $4.00 USD to $10.00 USD.

Drinks: Free tea and water in runner areas. Spectator area offers Kochi craft beer and sake tasting for $5.00 USD. Alcohol not permitted in competition area.

Local Recommendation: After race, visit Hirome Market near Obiyamachi to sample Kochi’s full food culture in one hall.

Accessibility

Organizers aim to make race inclusive for all.

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

Course Viewing: Course along Pacific coastline and Niyodo River is mostly paved and accessible for wheelchair spectators, though Urado Bridge section has steep gradient and requires caution.

Athlete Support: Visually impaired runners may run with guide runner at no extra cost. Guide must register separately and wear guide bib. Wheelchair marathon participation is limited; contact executive committee at ryomamarathon@ken.pref.kochi.lg.jp for inquiries.

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 Kochi Station and finish area.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon Main Race: The core experience covering 42.195km from Kochi Castle town to Pacific Ocean and Niyodo River. Best viewing at start area for opening ceremony, at Urado Bridge to see runners tackle 40-meter climb, and at Haruno Stadium for emotional finish. The generous seven-hour limit creates a festival atmosphere where first-timers and veterans share road.

Urado Bridge Challenge Segment: Around halfway point, this steep bridge offers panoramic ocean view. Spectators gather here to cheer climbers and enjoy same view once admired by Sakamoto Ryoma. It is the most photographed spot of race.

Niyodo River Scenic Segment: The miraculous clear stream section in latter half offers crystal-clear water viewing and refreshing breeze. Popular with families and photographers.

Expo and Yosakoi Performance: At Kochi Central Park previous day, enjoy Yosakoi dance, which originated in Kochi, plus talk shows and local product market.

Katsurahama Beach Post-Race Visit: Combine race with visit to Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, Ryoma statue, and Katsurahama Aquarium near Urado Bay, twenty minutes from city center.

Previous year’s highlights

Recent editions have shown both competitive depth and community spirit.

In the 2025 edition, total finishers reached 9,589 for Kochi Ryoma Marathon, with Daisuke Ikemoto winning men’s race in 2:28:06 and Chiho Matoba winning women’s in 2:58:51. The race was part of a big marathon weekend across Japan including Kyoto, Kumamoto Castle, Kitakyushu, and Okinawa marathons.

In earlier editions, the maximum field size was 12,000 but only around 9,300 entered, showing accessibility compared to lottery-heavy big city marathons. The course was praised for its scenic beauty, with runners enjoying breathtaking natural beauty including majestic Pacific coastline and crystal-clear waters of Niyodo River.

Community highlights included strong support from locals, aid stations featuring Kochi’s regional specialties, and warm cheers from spectators even in rural sections between Nankoku City and Tosa City. Many runners described crossing Urado Bridge and seeing Pacific Ocean panorama as emotional turning point.

The event also celebrated personal milestones, with runners completing their first marathon after significant personal journeys, supported by friends and family at Haruno Park finish.

Official tickets

All entries must be purchased through official channels.

Official Website: https://ryoma-marathon.jp/english/ – Provides English information, course maps, size charts, and entry links.

Official Entry Platforms: RUNNET Japan at https://runnet.jp and RUNNET GLOBAL at https://runnetglobal.com – Both listed as official booking sites with entry periods published annually.

Inquiry: Kochi Ryoma Marathon Executive Committee, Email ryomamarathon@ken.pref.kochi.lg.jp, Office address Kochi Prefectural Government Office, 1 Chome-2-20 Marunouchi, Kochi 780-0850, Japan.

Important: Entry is closed once maximum capacity of 10,000 has been reached. Credit card and PayPal payments are available, with some country restrictions. No race day entries or bib transfers permitted. Official race website should be used as final reference for latest information.

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