Shizuoka Marathon 2027 – Japan

• March 14, 2027
  Event date:
• March 14, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Mount Fuji Coastal Classic: Shizuoka Marathon is one of Japan’s most scenic and personal-best friendly marathons, built around a point-to-point coastal road from the heart of Shizuoka City to Shimizu. The course is flat, fast and JAAF certified, with only about 90 meters of elevation gain and gentle 10 to 15 meter undulations along Suruga Bay. On a clear morning, the snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji appears over the bay, which is the signature image of this race.

PB Friendly and Beginner Welcoming: Despite the big mountain backdrop, the route itself is forgiving. After leaving the city center, the course runs past Sengen Shrine and Sunpu Castle Park, crosses the Abe River and heads onto the wide, straight Route 150 coast road. The minimal net elevation change and sea-level air make it one of the best places in Japan to target a Boston Qualifier time. The time limit of 6 hours works out to roughly 8:32 per kilometer, which suits most well-trained recreational runners.

City and Nature Combined: The first part is urban and cultural, through Shizuoka’s historic center with castle moats and shopping streets lined with supporters. The second half opens to coastal panoramas, fishing ports, pine groves at Miho no Matsubara, and views across Suruga Bay. Typical race conditions are cool and bright, with temps around 8 to 11 degrees Celsius at gun time, low humidity and a light sea breeze that can pick up after halfway.

Organizational Quality: Organized by the Shizuoka Marathon Executive Committee, the event caps at around 13,000 runners for the full marathon, up 1,000 from the previous edition. It uses first-come entry rather than a lottery, includes 10 official cut-off points, 15 water stations, and is known for smooth logistics from bib pickup to baggage transfer.

Match/event dates

Event Dates:

• Shizuoka Marathon 2027 Full Marathon: March 14, 2027
• Shizuoka Marathon 2027 Fun Run 11.6 km: March 14, 2027
• Bib Collection and Expo: Day before race, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at designated venue in Shizuoka City. Race day check-in is not available.
• Gun Start Time: 8:20 AM JST for Full Marathon

All official date and time information is contained in this section only.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Start Location: Front gate of Shizuoka City Hall, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka Government Building area. The start is set in front of the city hall in the city center, near Sunpu Castle Park and the Prefectural Office. The area offers wide staging blocks, warm-up streets and easy access from both JR Shizuoka Station and Shin-Shizuoka Station.

Finish Location: JR Shimizu Station East Exit area, Shimizu Ward. The finish is set in a large open area about a 15-minute walk from the north exit of JR Shizuoka Station on the Tokaido Line for the Fun Run junction, with the main marathon finish at Shimizu. This point-to-point layout means start and finish are not at the same spot, which is central to the course design.

Course Surface and Profile: All road, point-to-point coastal road, 90m elevation gain, flat and fast with only gentle undulations. Certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations as a Boston Qualifier course. The Fun Run shares the first 11 km with the marathon and finishes near Shizuoka City Central Gymnasium.

Venue Facilities: Start area includes baggage drop trucks that transport bags to the finish, toilets, changing tents and medical screening. Finish area includes recovery tents, medal and towel distribution, food stalls, family meeting zones and shuttle bus boarding for return to central Shizuoka.

Full fixture or event schedule

Pre-Race Day:

• 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM: Bib collection, timing chip distribution and official expo at the designated hall in Shizuoka City. Runners collect number cards, chip, event guide and official merchandise. No race day collection is offered.
• Expo Activities: Sponsor booths, running gear sales, local tourism information for Miho no Matsubara and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and briefing for overseas runners.

Race Day:

• Early Morning: Start area opens, baggage trucks close, final toilet and warm-up access.
• 8:20 AM: Full Marathon gun start from Shizuoka City Hall. Wave start system used to manage 13,000 runners.
• Mid-Morning: Fun Run 11.6 km start from same city hall area, following common section up to 11 km before diverting to its own finish near Central Gymnasium.
• Along Course: 15 water stations, 6 with food, plus specialty oden aid station around 25 km point located slightly off the main line. Ten official cut-off points with buses for non-finishers.
• Cut-Off: Overall 6-hour limit from gun start.
• Post-Finish: Medal, finisher towel, drinks, light nutrition, medical check, baggage reclaim and free shuttle buses from Shimizu back toward Shizuoka City center.

Teams, athletes & participants

Field Size: Approximately 13,000 runners for full marathon and additional runners for Fun Run. The 2027 edition sold out in less than 24 hours after opening, showing high demand for its 10th edition anniversary.

Eligibility: Male and female, age 18 years or older on race day for full marathon. No high school students. Fun Run open to broader age range including high school and junior high with guardian consent where required. Participants must be able to complete within cut-off times.

Athlete Types: The field mixes Japanese citizen runners, Boston Qualifier seekers, corporate running clubs, overseas visitors, charity runners and first-time marathoners. Because entry is first-come rather than lottery, many dedicated runners who missed Tokyo or Nagoya target Shizuoka for a fast spring time. Elite domestic runners also use it as a spring qualifier due to flat profile.

International Participation: Overseas entry is handled via Run Japan and official overseas portal. The race provides English information, signage and volunteer support, and the course along the Tokaido Shinkansen line makes it easy for visitors staying in Tokyo or Nagoya to access.

Tournament format & competition structure

Format: Single-day, point-to-point road marathon and concurrent Fun Run. No relay, no multiple laps. One certified full marathon distance of 42.195 km and one Fun Run distance of 11.6 km.

Boston Qualifier Status: Yes, JAAF certified course, so verified net time is valid for Boston Marathon qualifying standards. Flat profile with minimal wind except along exposed coastal stretch makes it popular for qualifier attempts.

Block System: Start blocks assigned by predicted finish time and past certified times submitted via RUNNET. Front blocks for sub-3 hour and sub-3:30 runners, middle blocks for recreational runners, rear blocks for beginners and Fun Run participants. This ensures smoother flow onto Kita Kaido Road and Ryutsu Center Dori.

Cut-Off Structure: Ten intermediate cut-off points along the course, including major intersections at Shizuoka City Hospital, Jonai Junior High School, Shimizu Bridge and Prefectural Building. Runners who miss a cut-off are directed to collection buses. This structure helps city traffic management while keeping average pace requirement around 8:30 per km.

Transfer System: After general entry closes, RUNNET’s Yuzure-ru transfer service allows entrants who withdraw to hand their places to other runners on a waiting list, typically open for about a month after sell-out.

Match/event times

Gun Start: Full marathon gun start is set for 8:20 AM JST from Shizuoka City Hall. Fun Run starts shortly after from same area.

Time Limit: Full marathon overall time limit is 6 hours from gun start. Fun Run time limit is shorter, managed within city center road closure window.

Cut-Off Pace: Approximately 8:32 per km average required to finish within overall limit. Intermediate cut-offs enforce this pace gradually, with earlier points more generous.

Water and Food Timing: Water stations approximately every 2 to 3 km from 5 km onward, with food at six stations after halfway. Oden station at around 25 km point is slightly off course and is a time sink, so runners targeting a PB often skip it.

Return Shuttles: Shuttle buses from Shimizu finish area back to Shizuoka City run continuously until late afternoon, timed to clear finishers within limit.

Ticket types

Full Marathon Japan Resident: $106.67 USD. This includes number card, single-use timing chip, finisher medal and towel for finishers, baggage transport from start to finish, drink and food stations, medical support and web certificate. This fee is based on official 16,000 yen.

Full Marathon Overseas Resident: $153.33 USD. Includes same services as domestic entry plus English support and overseas entry handling via Run Japan. Based on official 23,000 yen for overseas residents.

Fun Run 11.6 km: $46.67 USD to $66.67 USD range based on previous editions. Includes number card, timing chip for fun run, baggage service to fun run finish near Central Gymnasium and participation towel. Exact fee for 2027 Fun Run is published on official site, previous pricing used when not yet announced.

Hometown Tax Furusato Nozei Category: $333.33 USD to $400.00 USD donation equivalent for 300 places, plus entry fee handling. This category includes guaranteed entry after donation to Shizuoka City, and donors receive local return gifts. Entry is completed via dedicated link after donation.

Yuzure-ru Transfer Fee: Approximately $20.00 USD handling fee for transfer service when available after sell-out.

All pricing is converted to USD and does not include travel or accommodation. Fees are non-refundable after payment completion.

Ticket release phases

Hometown Tax Category: First phase, opens in mid-September and runs until early November. 300 places. Donors apply via Shizuoka City furusato nozei portal, select marathon entry as return gift, complete donation, then receive entry link. This category filled within hours for 2027.

Shizuoka City Resident Priority Entry: Opens in early October, typically at 20:00 JST for a few days before general entry. Reserved for residents with address in Shizuoka City. First-come, first-served via official website.

General Entry: Opens in early October at 20:00 JST and runs until mid-November or until cap reached. For 2027, general entry opened on October 1 and closed as full at 13:00 JST on October 2, less than a day after opening. Cap of 13,000 runners, first-come, first-served via official website.

Yuzure-ru Transfer Service: Opens the day after general entry sell-out, typically early October to mid-November. Allows registered entrants who cannot run to transfer their entry to another runner on a first-come basis.

Overseas Entry via Run Japan: Mirrors general entry window but with separate allocation for overseas residents at $153.33 USD. Sold out notification posted once allocation is full.

VIP & hospitality options

No Formal VIP Ticket: Shizuoka Marathon does not sell separate VIP grandstand tickets. Hospitality is delivered through course design and services.

Front Block Hospitality: Runners with fast certified times receive front block placement, which functions as elite hospitality with less congestion, smoother start and easier access to pace groups.

Furusato Nozei Hospitality: Donors in hometown tax category receive local specialty gifts such as Shizuoka tea, mandarin oranges and tuna products, plus dedicated support desk and guaranteed entry.

Tour Packages: Official travel partners offer packages including 1 to 2 nights hotel near JR Shizuoka Station or Shimizu, breakfast, early check-out luggage handling, bib collection assistance and return shuttle. Pricing typically from $250.00 USD to $450.00 USD plus entry fee, based on previous JTB and local hotel partnerships.

Finish Area Hospitality: Family meeting zones, heated tents, free drinks and local food market at Shimizu finish provide comfortable waiting for supporters. Baggage transport from start to finish is included for all marathon runners.

Stadium & event rules

Registration Rules: One entry per person, proxy participation not allowed. False age or gender declaration leads to disqualification and future entry ban. Registration complete only after payment. No changes or cancellations after payment for personal reasons.

Health and Safety: Participants must be in good health, have trained sufficiently and not have heart disease or other conditions that could be aggravated by running. Runners must follow organizer instructions to stop if judged unable to continue safely.

Course Rules: No bicycles, pets or unauthorized vehicles on course. Music devices allowed but volume must allow hearing instructions. Throwing trash outside designated zones is prohibited.

Baggage Rules: Only official baggage bag provided at bib collection allowed for transport. Valuables, fragile items and large suitcases not accepted. Baggage trucks leave shortly before gun start.

Weather Policy: Race held rain or shine except for extreme weather, earthquakes or safety incidents. In case of cancellation due to natural disaster, organizers decide on refund amount after deducting expenses incurred.

Certificate Policy: Only web certificates issued, no paper certificates. Personal information including name, age, record and portrait may be used in newspapers, TV, magazines, internet and official brochures.

How to get there

By Shinkansen: Shizuoka City sits on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. From Tokyo Station, about 60 to 90 minutes to JR Shizuoka Station by Hikari or Kodama. From Nagoya, about 60 minutes. This makes it easy for overseas runners staying in Tokyo to do a day trip for bib collection.

By Air: Nearest airports are Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport with shuttle bus to Shizuoka City, and Haneda or Narita for international arrivals followed by Shinkansen. Shizuoka Airport is about 45 minutes by bus to JR Shizuoka Station.

To Start: From JR Shizuoka Station north exit, 15-minute walk to Shizuoka City Hall start area. From Shin-Shizuoka Station on Shizuoka Railway, 5 to 10 minutes walk. City buses also stop near Sunpu Castle Park.

To Finish: JR Shimizu Station East Exit is the finish area. From JR Shizuoka Station, about 10 minutes by local Tokaido Line train to Shimizu. Shuttle buses return from finish to start area after race.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Recommended: Road closures around Kita Kaido Road, Ryutsu Center Dori, National Route 150 and Komagoe loop make car access difficult. Organizers strongly recommend trains and buses.

Trains: JR Tokaido Line between Shizuoka and Shimizu runs frequently, with extra services on race morning. Shizuoka Railway connects Shin-Shizuoka to central areas.

Buses: Special shuttle buses from Shimizu finish back to Shizuoka City Hall and JR Shizuoka Station operate continuously until late afternoon for runners and spectators. Regular city buses are diverted during closures, check detour maps.

Parking: No official runner parking at start area. Limited paid parking near Shizuoka City and Shimizu Station fills early. Use of private car is discouraged. Hotels near JR Shizuoka Station offer walking access without need for parking. For those who must drive, use parking near Shimizu and take train to start, then shuttle back after finishing.

Bicycle: Bicycle parking available near both start and finish but not inside closed course.

Accommodation areas

Shizuoka City Center Near JR Shizuoka Station: Best for pre-race. Walking distance to start and bib collection venue. Hotels in this area range from business hotels around $60.00 USD to $100.00 USD per night to city hotels around $120.00 USD to $180.00 USD. Recommended for first-time visitors because of easy Shinkansen access.

Aoi Ward Sunpu Castle Park Area: Very close to start, quieter than station area, with boutique hotels and guesthouses. Good for early morning start access.

Shimizu Ward Near JR Shimizu Station: Best for post-race and for family meeting. Hotels near the finish allow you to walk to finish area and avoid return shuttle crowds. Area near Miho no Matsubara offers resort-style stays with Mount Fuji views, priced around $100.00 USD to $200.00 USD.

Booking Tips: The 13,000 runner cap plus supporters fills Shizuoka City quickly, especially during the sold-out 2027 10th edition. Book as soon as entry is confirmed. Use Booking or Agoda for flexible cancellation, or official JTB package for guaranteed early breakfast and late check-out.

Sightseeing Extension: Consider staying an extra night to visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Miho no Matsubara pine grove, Nihondaira ropeway and Shizuoka Oden street food area.

Food & drink at the venue

On Course: 15 water stations with water and sports drink, 6 with food including bananas, bread, jelly and salt tablets. The famous oden aid station around 25 km offers hot Shizuoka oden with fish cakes and daikon, popular for photos but off the main line and time-consuming for PB chasers.

At Start: Light warm drinks, tea and water for waiting runners. No large meals inside block area.

At Finish in Shimizu: Free water, sports drink and light nutrition for finishers. Food market with Shizuoka specialties including Shizuoka oden, tuna bowl from Shimizu port, green tea sweets, mandarin juice and craft beer stalls. Family meeting area includes food trucks.

In City: Shizuoka is famous for green tea, wasabi, oden, and seafood from Suruga Bay. Restaurants around JR Shizuoka Station and Sunpu Castle area serve morning sets suitable for pre-race carbo loading, with rice, miso soup and grilled fish.

For International Runners: Convenience stores at both start and finish for quick snacks, and many restaurants have English menus near station areas.

Accessibility

Course Accessibility: Flat profile with only gentle 10 to 15 meter undulations makes it accessible for wheelchairs in Fun Run where permitted, and for beginners. Road surface is all paved, with wide sections along Route 150.

Venue Accessibility: Both start at Shizuoka City Hall and finish at Shimizu Station East Exit are barrier-free with paved surfaces, accessible toilets and medical tents. Baggage trucks have low loading for easier use.

Support for Disabilities: Accompanied running for visually impaired runners allowed with one guide, with prior application. Wheelchair participation is considered on a case-by-case basis for Fun Run, not for full marathon due to point-to-point and cut-off constraints. Contact organizer for specific arrangements.

Language Accessibility: Official website has English entry guide, and Run Japan provides English support for overseas entry. Volunteers at water stations and finish area include English-speaking staff.

Family Accessibility: Fun Run finish near Central Gymnasium offers family viewing with less crowding than main finish, suitable for children and elderly supporters.

Best matches/events to attend

Full Marathon: The main event and best for Boston Qualifier attempts, personal bests and Mount Fuji views. Recommended for runners who want a flat, fast spring marathon without Tokyo’s lottery stress. The coastal stretch from Abe River to Komagoe loop is the highlight for scenery.

Fun Run 11.6 km: Best for beginners, families, high school runners and supporters who want to experience the start atmosphere without full distance. It shares the first 11 km with marathon including city center section, then finishes near Central Gymnasium with easier logistics.

Expo and Bib Collection: Best for gear shopping and tourism planning. The expo includes local crafts, running shoes testing and Shizuoka tea tasting.

Finish Area Festival in Shimizu: Best for family and friends waiting. Food market, stage performances and Mount Fuji backdrop near port make it a pleasant afternoon event even for non-runners.

Miho no Matsubara Side Trip: While not part of race, many runners visit the day after for classic Mount Fuji pine grove photos, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage component.

Previous year’s highlights

2026 Edition: The 9th edition was held with around 12,000 runners, with 10 cut-off points, 15 water stations and oden aid station returning. Runners reported cool 6 to 8 degree start and strong tailwind along coastal stretch, leading to many personal bests. Field included runners from across Japan who entered as soon as entry opened in October.

2025 Edition: Featured strong international presence and improved English support. The course map showing flat profile under 100 meters elevation was praised for PB potential. Reviews highlighted meeting friends at finish line near Shimizu and vinison meatball soup specialty at aid stations.

Common Themes: Past reviews consistently mention stunning Mount Fuji views when clear, minimal elevation gain making it runner friendly, energetic local support in city center and fishing port areas, and smooth baggage transport logistics. Many runners use it as final spring marathon before summer off-season, improving previous bests from previous Shizuoka editions.

10th Anniversary Build-Up: For 2027, organizers increased cap from 12,000 to 13,000 and added 300 hometown tax places, but demand still exceeded supply with sell-out in under 24 hours, showing its growing reputation as a flat Mount Fuji PB course.

Official tickets

Official Website: www.shizuoka-marathon.com is the only official source for entry dates, fees and race guide. Always confirm latest information there.

Domestic Entry: Apply via official website first-come first-served. Full marathon Japan resident fee is $106.67 USD based on 16,000 yen. Fun Run fee published on site. Payment via credit card or convenience store.

Overseas Entry: Via Run Japan gateway, overseas full marathon fee is $153.33 USD based on 23,000 yen. Includes English support. For inquiries, contact Shizuoka Marathon Secretariat via info@shizuoka-marathon.com or phone +81 54-251-3369.

Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Do not purchase from resale sites other than official Yuzure-ru transfer service. Unofficial bibs are invalid and lead to disqualification. Refundable booking options from travel sites are tour packages, not official entry.

Transfer Service: Official Yuzure-ru transfer via RUNNET from early October to mid-November allows legal transfer when original entrant withdraws, with handling fee around $20.00 USD.

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