Okinawa Marathon 2027 – Japan

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

What to expect

Okinawa Marathon is a major full marathon road race held in central Okinawa Island, organized by Okinawa Marathon Executive Office and Okinawa City. The race is held annually in February and is one of Okinawa’s largest sporting events alongside Naha Marathon, known for its challenging course that runs near Katsuren Castle and Kadena Air Base and showcases the island’s unique culture of health and longevity.

The course starts and finishes at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, also known as Okinawa Prefectural Sports Park and Okinawa Athletic Park, located at 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa City, 904-2173, Japan. Every February, the Okinawa Marathon begins here, using the park’s facilities including mini-golf and tennis courts for event operations.

Expect a full marathon with room for 13,500 in the marathon and 3,000 in the 10K, making it a large-scale community marathon with strong local support. Unlike Kyoto Marathon which passes seven World Heritage temples and shrines, Okinawa runs near Katsuren Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Kadena Air Base, offering distinctive scenery combining history, military presence, and subtropical landscape.

The race promotes Okinawa as an island of health, where participants experience firsthand that secret to longevity isn’t just food but active lifestyle. The time of year is ideal for marathons, with mild winter temperatures perfect for running, and several major marathon events held during this period in Okinawa.

The event includes full marathon and 10K road race, with four cut-off points on full marathon course, and is known for generous community support with water stations and local entertainment along course.

Match/event dates

Event Date: February 21, 2027

Event Name: The 31st 2027 Okinawa Marathon

Location: Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Start and Finish: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, Okinawa, Japan, 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2173

Registration Period: From August 1, 2026 open until December 13, 2026, as per Sports Entry information, with entries open online and at convenience-store kiosks until December 13, but close early if field fills

Office Address: 25-6 Nakasone, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, The Okinawa Marathon Executive Office

Contact: TEL 098-938-0088, Email kokusai@okinawamarathon.com

Website: https://okinawa-marathon.com/

Capacity: 13,500 in marathon and 3,000 in 10K based on recent edition information

Distance: Full marathon 42.195 km certified and 10K road race

Exact start times and packet pick-up schedule announced via official website 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: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym and Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2173, Japan. Also known as Okinawa Prefectural Sports Park and Okinawa Athletic Park. Facilities include main stadium, gymnasium, mini-golf, tennis courts, and park areas used for start, finish, and event operations.

Start and Finish Location: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, Awase area of Okinawa City. Race starts at athletic park and finishes at same location after loop through central Okinawa.

Course Overview: Course starts and finishes at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, runs near Katsuren Castle and Kadena Air Base, passing through Okinawa City, Uruma City, and surrounding municipalities. The course includes four cut-off points on full marathon course, with challenging hilly sections reflecting Okinawa’s terrain.

Course Features: Unlike flat city marathons, Okinawa Marathon includes rolling hills and scenic coastal and inland sections, with views of East China Sea, military base, and historic castle ruins. Course certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

Athletic Park Facilities: Gymnasium used for packet pick-up, opening ceremony, and post-race services. Park includes spacious areas for warm-up and baggage keep.

Address for Navigation: 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa, Japan, 904-2173, easily searchable as Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park.

Full fixture or event schedule

Race Weekend Schedule Based on Previous Editions:

Saturday Before Race – Packet Pick-up: Packet pick-up at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym, typically from afternoon to evening, for example 14:00 to 18:00, sign up as you show up, free entry. Contact Okinawa Marathon Executive Office for details. Participants collect bibs and timing chips.

Sunday – Race Day:

Early Morning: Venue opens for warm-up, baggage drop, and call room inside athletic park.

Morning Start: Full marathon race starts at 9:00 AM, 10K road race starts shortly after, for example 9:10 AM to 9:30 AM depending on edition.

Course Progression: Runners proceed from athletic park toward Katsuren Castle area, Kadena Air Base perimeter, and back through Uruma City. Four cut-off points enforced along course with closure times.

Finish Closure: Finish line closes approximately 6 hours after start for full marathon, allowing generous time for all abilities, with 10K closing earlier.

Post-Race: Award ceremony inside athletic park gymnasium, finisher certificates, and local food stalls offering Okinawan specialties.

Newsletter Information: February 17 Saturday 14:00 to 18:00 sign up as you show up at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym, fee free, contact 098-938-0088.

Teams, athletes & participants

Full Marathon: Capacity 13,500 runners, open to male and female age 16 or older who can complete within time limit. Full marathon includes general category, high school students age 16 to 18, and age 65 and older categories with different entry fees.

10K Road Race: Capacity 3,000 runners, open to general participants and high school students, with separate fee structure.

Eligibility: Participants must be in good health, capable of completing distance, with medical check recommended. Marathon is grueling sport, runners may have unexpected accidents due to lack of physical fitness, so training required.

International Runners: Open to international runners, with English entry via Sports Entry and JTBSports Station, email support via kokusai@okinawamarathon.com.

Local Participation: Strong local participation from Okinawa Prefecture residents, US military base community from Kadena Air Base, and mainland Japan runners seeking winter marathon with subtropical climate.

Group Entry: Group entry available in Japanese version, but not available in English and Chinese versions. Only one entry accepted per account.

Capacity Management: Registration open until December 13 but closes early if field fills, as noted in recent edition where general marathon entry fee is 10,000 Yen with room for 13,500.

Tournament format & competition structure

Format: Road race on paved roads, certified full marathon 42.195 km and 10K road race, with loop course starting and finishing at same park.

Course Structure: Full marathon starts at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, heads north toward Katsuren Castle and Kadena Air Base, loops through Uruma City and Okinawa City, returns to athletic park. Includes four cut-off points on full marathon course.

Timing: Chip timing used, with net and gross times recorded. Finisher certificates with finishing time provided.

Awards: Top finishers in full marathon and 10K awarded, plus age group awards for various categories including general, high school, and 65 and older.

Health and Safety: Okinawa City Fire Department headquarters involved as contact for safety, with medical support along course.

Cultural Integration: Course passes near Katsuren Castle, UNESCO World Heritage site, and Kadena Air Base, offering unique cultural and historical experience unlike mainland marathons.

Community Support: Water distribution volunteers and local community groups provide support, with Okinawa Marathon Executive Office coordinating.

Match/event times

Typical Race Day Timeline:

Early Morning: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park opens for warm-up, baggage keep, and call room.

9:00 AM: Full marathon race starts at 9:00 AM from athletic park.

9:10 AM to 9:30 AM: 10K road race starts shortly after full marathon.

Cut-off Points: Four cut-off points on full marathon course with closure times enforced, for example first cut-off at approximately 10 to 12 km, second at half marathon point, third at 30 km, fourth at 35 km.

Finish Closure: Full marathon finish closes approximately 6 hours after start, around 3:00 PM, 10K finishes around 11:00 AM.

Award Ceremony: Award ceremony held after final finishers in gymnasium.

Post-Race Services: Post-race refreshments, finisher certificates, and baggage return inside athletic park.

Ticket types

Okinawa 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:

Full Marathon General: 10,000 Yen, approximately $67, for general participants. Based on recent edition information, general marathon entry fee is 10,000 Yen, about half of Kyoto’s marathon fee.

Full Marathon High School Students and 65 and Older: 8,000 Yen, approximately $53, discounted fee for age 16 to 18 and age 65 and older.

10K Road Race General: 3,700 Yen, approximately $25, for general participants.

10K High School Students: 2,200 Yen, approximately $15, for high school students age 16 to 18.

Historical Fees: In 2015, entry fee was Full Marathon 4,500 Yen, approximately $30, Full Marathon age 65 and older 3,500 Yen, approximately $23, High school students 3,500 Yen, approximately $23, 10K road race 2,700 Yen, approximately $18, 10K high school 1,200 Yen, approximately $8. In 2019-2020, full marathon 6,000 Yen, approximately $40, showing gradual increase.

Current Pricing: Recent edition general marathon entry fee 10,000 Yen, approximately $67, 8,000 Yen for high school and 65 and older, about $53.

Additional Payment Fee: Payment fee 5.3% of entry fee required in addition to entry fee.

Spectator Access: Free and open to public along entire course, including prime viewing at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, Katsuren Castle area, and Kadena Air Base perimeter.

Registration Portal: Entries open online and at convenience-store kiosks until December 13, but close early if field fills, via Sports Entry and JTBSports Station.

Ticket release phases

Registration Period: From August 1, 2026 open until December 13, 2026, as per Sports Entry information.

Early Registration: Early registration recommended as field fills early, with 13,500 marathon capacity and 3,000 10K capacity.

Online and Convenience Store: Entries open online via Sports Entry and JTBSports Station and at convenience-store kiosks, offering multiple entry channels for local and international runners.

Capacity Closure: Entries close early if field fills before December 13 deadline, as noted in recent edition.

Packet Pick-up Phase: Mandatory packet pick-up on Saturday before race at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym, typically afternoon to evening, free sign up as you show up.

International Entry Window: International entries via English Sports Entry accepted during same registration period, with support email kokusai@okinawamarathon.com.

VIP & hospitality options

Athletic Park Hospitality: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym offers indoor hospitality areas for elite athletes and invited guests with live results feed.

Sponsor Hospitality: Local sponsors and Okinawa City host hospitality areas near start and finish with traditional Okinawan hospitality.

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

Community Hospitality: Okinawan culture of health and longevity showcased through hospitality, with local food and entertainment along course.

Award Ceremony Hospitality: Award ceremony inside gymnasium with catering for top finishers.

Cultural Hospitality: Local products and tourism information available at packet pick-up, promoting Okinawa as island of health.

Stadium & event rules

Regulation: Race conducted in accordance with Japan Association of Athletics Federations rules and Okinawa Marathon regulations.

Eligibility: Participants must be born before designated date, capable of completing distance within time limit, in good health.

Time Limits: Full marathon approximately 6 hours, 10K approximately 2 hours, with four cut-off points on full marathon course. Runners failing to reach cut-off before closure must drop out and follow officials instructions, return timing chips.

Course Rules: No outside assistance, no pacing by non-participants, must wear official bib number, no littering, follow police and volunteer instructions.

Health and Safety: Marathon is grueling sport, runners may have unexpected accidents due to lack of physical fitness, medical check recommended, follow medical staff instructions if unable to continue.

Group Entry: Group entry not available in English and Chinese versions, only one entry per account.

Personal Information: Organizer handles personal information per privacy policy, entry information may be used for event coverage.

Emergency: In case of emergency vehicle traffic or other reasons deemed necessary by organizers, runners may be instructed to temporarily stop or change course.

How to get there

Address: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2173, Japan.

Nearest Airport: Naha Airport is main airport for Okinawa, approximately 30 km from venue, about 45 minutes by car or bus.

From Naha: From Naha City, take bus or car to Okinawa City via Okinawa Expressway, about 45 minutes. Bus routes from Naha Bus Terminal to Okinawa City, then local bus or taxi to athletic park.

From Okinawa City Center: Okinawa City center to athletic park is short taxi ride, about 10 to 15 minutes, or local bus.

From Kadena Air Base: Kadena Air Base is near course, short drive to athletic park for military community participants.

Shuttle Buses: Shuttle buses typically operate on race day from Okinawa City and surrounding areas to athletic park due to traffic restrictions.

Race Day Access: Extensive traffic restrictions around Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park and course roads to Katsuren Castle and Kadena Air Base, public transport and shuttle buses recommended.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Recommended: Okinawa has limited train network, main public transport is bus and car. Traffic restrictions around athletic park and course make public transport and shuttle buses most reliable.

Bus: Okinawa City buses and highway buses from Naha serve Okinawa City, but diverted on race day due to course closures. Check Okinawa Marathon website for race day bus information.

Car: No official event parking at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park due to race operations, surrounding coin parking closed or inaccessible. Avoid driving if possible, use shuttle buses from Okinawa City.

Taxi: Taxis from Okinawa City center cost approximately $10 to $15, from Naha approximately $40 to $50, but expect heavy traffic after race.

Accessibility Transport: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park has accessible parking and facilities, but race day restrictions may limit access, contact executive office for specific accessibility needs.

From Mainland: For mainland Japan runners, flights to Naha Airport then bus or car to Okinawa City.

Accommodation areas

Best Areas to Stay:

Okinawa City and Awase Area: Closest area with business hotels such as Hotel Ocean, Laguna Garden Hotel, and local business hotels ranging $70 to $130 per night. Walking or short shuttle to venue, ideal for early race morning.

Uruma City and Katsuren Area: Near Katsuren Castle and turnaround points, limited hotels but guesthouses available ranging $50 to $90 per night.

Naha City: Capital with many hotels like Hotel Gracery Naha, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha, and APA Hotel Naha ranging $80 to $150 per night. 45 minutes to venue but more dining and tourism options.

Kadena and Chatan Area: Near Kadena Air Base and American Village, hotels like Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort and Beach Tower Okinawa ranging $100 to $200 per night, popular with US military and international tourists.

Budget Options: Guesthouses, hostels, and business hotels near Okinawa City and Uruma offer $40 to $70 per night.

Book at least one month in advance as Okinawa Marathon attracts 13,500 marathon plus 3,000 10K runners plus families and coincides with winter tourism high season in Okinawa.

Food & drink at the venue

Inside Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park: Park facilities offer bento boxes, hot drinks, and snacks on race day, with indoor gymnasium areas for post-race refreshments.

Okinawan Specialties: Food stalls set up in athletic park offering Okinawan specialties such as Okinawa soba, goya champuru, taco rice, and sata andagi, allowing spectators and runners to enjoy local cuisine.

Course Support: Official water and sports drink stations every few kilometers, plus personal drink tables for elite runners at designated stations.

Katsuren and Kadena Area: Along course, local community groups offer water and small snacks, showcasing Okinawan hospitality.

Post-Race: Athlete refreshment area with recovery drinks, local fruits, and light food, plus finisher certificates.

Local Cuisine: Okinawa City and Naha offer many restaurants serving traditional Okinawan cuisine, accessible after race for celebration.

Accessibility

Venue Accessibility: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gym and athletic park are fully barrier-free with accessible restrooms and wheelchair spaces.

Course Viewing Accessibility: Most roadside viewing points accessible via flat sidewalks, though some hilly sections may be challenging. Early arrival recommended for wheelchair users to secure viewing spot near start and finish.

Accessible Participation: Full marathon and 10K open to runners with disabilities who can complete within time limit, with support from volunteers.

Contact for Accessibility: Contact Okinawa Marathon Executive Office via 098-938-0088 or kokusai@okinawamarathon.com for specific accessibility needs.

Community Support: Okinawan culture of health and longevity includes support for all abilities, with community volunteers assisting.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon Start and Finish at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park: Best place to feel community marathon atmosphere, watch mass start of 13,500 runners, and see dramatic finish inside athletic park.

Katsuren Castle Area: Most culturally significant viewing point where runners pass near UNESCO World Heritage Katsuren Castle ruins, offering historic backdrop and photo opportunities.

Kadena Air Base Perimeter: Unique viewing point where course runs near Kadena Air Base, offering distinctive scenery combining military and local community, with strong support from base community.

Uruma City and Coastal Sections: Scenic viewing along East China Sea coastal roads with ocean views and subtropical landscape, especially beautiful in February mild weather.

10K Road Race: Ideal for beginners and those seeking shorter distance but still experiencing same start and finish atmosphere at athletic park, with faster pace and 3,000 participants.

Previous year’s highlights

Scale: Okinawa Marathon is held on similar scale to Naha Marathon, which is famous throughout Japan due to large scale, with Okinawa Marathon hosting 13,500 marathon and 3,000 10K runners, making it one of largest marathons in Okinawa Prefecture.

Cultural Significance: Course near Katsuren Castle and Kadena Air Base offers unique experience unlike mainland marathons, promoting Okinawa as island of health and longevity.

Community Impact: Organized by Okinawa Marathon Executive Committee Office involving Okinawa City, local fire department headquarters, and community groups, race promotes local tourism and health culture.

Seasonal Timing: Time of year ideal for marathons, with several major marathon events held during this period in Okinawa, including Naha Marathon and Okinawa Marathon, taking advantage of mild winter climate.

Resilience: Race has been held for over 30 editions, with 31st edition upcoming, showing resilience even after cancellations such as 2026 cancellation noted in tourism guides, returning stronger with community support.

Participant Experience: Participants praise scenic course, community support, and post-race Okinawan food and hospitality, with venue at 5-3-1 Hiyagon providing spacious park atmosphere for family and friends.

Official tickets

Official Website: https://okinawa-marathon.com/

Entry Portal: Sports Entry at https://sportsentry.ne.jp/ and JTBSports Station at https://jtbsports.jp/ for The 31st 2027 Okinawa Marathon, date of event Sunday February 21 2027, location Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture

Registration Period: From August 1, 2026 open until December 13, 2026, entries open online and at convenience-store kiosks until December 13 but close early if field fills

Contact: Okinawa Marathon Executive Office, 25-6 Nakasone, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, TEL 098-938-0088, Email kokusai@okinawamarathon.com

Venue: Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, 5-3-1 Hiyagon, Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2173, Japan, 5-3-1 Hiyagon

Office Address: 25-6 Nakasone, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan

Capacity: 13,500 marathon, 3,000 10K based on recent edition

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