24th Wakayama Jazz Marathon 2026

The 24th Wakayama Jazz Marathon on Sunday 20 December 2026 pairs seaside road running with live jazz and Wakayama's regional food. Founded in 2001 as one of Japan's first music marathons and renamed in 2021, this city-run event welcomes up to 10,000 entrants; the preceding edition recorded 8,063 registrations.

Two start areas, one coastal finish

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations-certified half marathon starts outside Wakayama Castle Hall and runs towards Wakayama Marina City, showcasing the historical castle and the scenic Wakaura Bay coast. Shorter races start at Marina City, where every distance finishes. The organisers plan live jazz performances by amateur bands at roughly ten points along the courses and near the start. Runner Hiroki Wakabayashi, celebrated for his Hakone Ekiden mountain-stage record, is the invited 2026 guest.

The half marathon and 10K start at 9:00 am Japan time. Later events depart at 11:10 am (5K), 11:55 am (3K) and 12:25 pm (2K jogging). Allowances are 150 minutes for the half, 90 for 10K, 45 for 5K, 30 for 3K and 35 for the 2K. Half-marathon runners must pass the 9.3 km checkpoint by 10:10 am and the 15.1 km checkpoint by 11:10 am. Those who miss limits must stop when directed by officials.

Practical runner information

Half-marathon participants report to the Wakayama Castle start, not the Marina City start. Their checked bags will be transported to Marina City. The organiser sends race number cards, timing chips and participation instructions before the event by post; participants must bring these items rather than expecting race-day collection.

Eligible participants can enter individual age categories or four-person team competitions, and the 2K jogging event includes a family option. Limited wheelchair participation in a separate 2K category is available by advance enquiry. At the finish, local food stalls offer an opportunity to experience Wakayama produce, including mandarins and pickled plums.

Registration through authorised outlets was extended to 26 October 2026, but the overall 10,000-person capacity can close entries sooner. Runners travelling to Wakayama should review the official Japanese-language race guide for eligibility, entry deadlines, access to both starts, and postal delivery arrangements before making travel commitments.