29th Jubilo Iwata Memorial Marathon 2026

The 29th Jubilo Iwata Memorial Marathon returns to Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Sunday 22 November 2026. Closely associated with the Júbilo Iwata football club and Yamaha Stadium, this established local running festival centres on a half marathon, despite "Marathon" in its name; there is no full 42.195 km race. Shorter 5 km and 3 km programmes cater for younger participants, families and recreational runners.

Character and course

The event's aim is to fill Iwata with smiles. Residents line the route to support runners through the club's hometown, and the organisers encourage first-time runners as well as experienced half-marathoners. The previous edition recorded around 7,299 participants, according to the RUNNET race guide; that figure is historical and does not describe confirmed 2026 turnout. When visibility is favourable, Mount Fuji may be visible in the distance.

Runners assemble near Yamaha Stadium, with the published finish at Yamaha Motor Company's Parking Area No. 7. The start and finish should not be assumed to be identical; participants should consult the official 2026 course map and road-closure guidance. The half marathon includes five checkpoints, a three-hour finishing limit and several pacer target groups. The 5 km has a 40-minute limit, and the 3 km a 30-minute limit. Fancy dress is permitted in the 3 km and 5 km events only.

Race morning

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:20 am Japan time. The half marathon sets off at 9:15 am, the first elementary-school 3 km wave at approximately 9:27 am, family and recreational 3 km waves around 9:31 am, and the 5 km at 9:42 am. Specific wave allocations and participant instructions should be checked against the issued race guide.

Getting there and collection

Mikuriya Station is approximately 1.5 km, or a 20-minute walk, from Yamaha Stadium. Travellers from Tokyo can change from the Shinkansen at Kakegawa; those from Nagoya can change at Hamamatsu. Temporary restrictions may affect nearby level crossings and roads, so allow additional time. Organiser parking requires appropriate advance arrangements.

Registration through RUNNET closed on 14 September 2026. Race bibs and timing chips are sent in advance rather than collected routinely on race morning. Selected participation souvenirs can be collected at Yamaha Stadium during the announced 7:00 am to 1:00 pm window. Souvenir options are alternatives, not a promise that every runner receives all of them. The race village also advertises food and community activities, subject to the organiser's final arrangements.