2027 Aomori Sakura Marathon

The 2027 Aomori Sakura Marathon is a major spring road-running festival in northern Japan on 18 April 2027. It starts in Nogiwa Park, one of Aomori City's best-known cherry-blossom spots, and finishes at Aoi-Umi Park on the central waterfront beside ASPAM. The marathon and half marathon use Japan Association of Athletics Federations certified courses, with a 10K completing the programme. Capacity is 5,500 runners, after 4,927 participants in the previous edition.

The route is mostly flat, with Aomori Bay Bridge its main climb at about 20 metres and broad views across Mutsu Bay. Marathon runners continue toward Ushirogata, Gappo Park and the Nonai Station area before returning to the waterfront finish. The half marathon follows a shorter version through the Bay Bridge and Gappo Park area, while the 10K turns near Ishimori Bridge.

All three events use wave starts. The marathon starts at 08:50 and 09:00, the 10K at 09:10 and 09:20, and the half marathon at 09:40 and 09:50. Time limits are 5 hours 30 minutes, 1 hour 20 minutes and 3 hours respectively. The marathon has eight intermediate checkpoints before the 14:30 course closure.

Registration is first-come, first-served and can close early when a category reaches capacity. Bibs, timing chips and participant shirts are mailed in advance. Pre-booked free shuttle buses serve the start from Aomori Station, Shin-Aomori Station and the Aomori Velodrome temporary parking area. Baggage is transported from the start to the finish. Planned aid provision is extensive, with 15 stations on the marathon, nine on the half marathon and five on the 10K, supplying water, sports drink and food. Marathon pace runners are also planned.