18th Tokashiki Marathon 2027 - Okinawa, Japan

The 18th Tokashiki Marathon takes place on Saturday 6 February 2027 on Tokashiki Island in Okinawa's Kerama Islands. This distinctive island race pairs dramatic coastal views with serious hills, making it an adventurous alternative to a flat urban half marathon. Competitors travel from Naha by ferry or high-speed boat, race through a landscape of steep slopes and clear blue sea, and can join a post-race gathering with island residents.

Courses and timetable

The half marathon starts at 1:20 pm, followed by the 3 km fun run at 1:40 pm and 10 km at 2 pm. All races begin on Tokashiki's harbour-side road and finish on the grounds of Tokashiki Elementary and Junior High School. The opening ceremony begins at 12:30 pm, and participant check-in at Tokashiki Port Passenger Terminal runs from 8:30 am to 12:20 pm.

The half marathon has a three-hour limit, including a checkpoint at around 5.4 km within the first hour. The 10 km has a 90-minute limit and the fun run 45 minutes. Expect climbing: the longer route has repeated undulations and reaches around 180 metres of elevation difference, with one of its steeper sections beginning near the 3 km mark. The entry caps are 400 for the half marathon and 125 each for the 10 km and 3 km categories.

Ferry travel and cancellation policy

This event depends on sea conditions. Runners must book their own travel and accommodation. Ferries depart from Naha's Tomari Port, taking approximately 40–70 minutes to reach Tokashiki depending on vessel. During the event-entry period, the village asks runners to arrange boat reservations by telephone through its Naha liaison office. The village may cancel the race if ferries are suspended or suspension is likely. The organiser normally makes the safety decision three days before race day and uses official channels to announce it rather than personally contacting every entrant. Confirm vessel times, accommodation and cancellation arrangements before travelling.

Entries are advertised from 1 October to 11 December 2026, subject to race caps. The competitive half and 10 km categories are open to high-school-age and older entrants; the 3 km fun run accommodates younger participants, with an accompanying registered guardian required for preschool-age children. An island community gathering is scheduled from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the school grounds after the races.

Race particulars are based on the 2027 entry guide. Keep checking the village and organiser channels for changes.