29th Suzuka City Marathon 2026 - Suzuka Circuit, Japan

The 29th Suzuka City Marathon offers an unusual chance to run on the internationally famous Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Instead of the usual city streets, the event uses the racing circuit that hosts the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. Runners line up on the main straight in front of the grandstands and experience the track's distinctive changes in elevation and corners on foot. It is a community race festival rather than a full 42.2 km marathon.

Courses and participants

The 2026 programme includes 10.0 km, 5.6 km and 2.0 km races, plus a 1.5 km barrier-free category. The 2 km programme has school-age, jogging and family divisions. The 1.5 km category is designed for participants with disabilities or mobility aids; competitors using wheelchairs must enter this category. Official capacities total 7,500 across the 10 km, 5.6 km and 2 km distances, subject to separate conditions for the accessible race.

Race-day timetable

All times are Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) on Sunday, 13 December 2026. The 1.5 km accessible race begins at 9:00 am. The 10 km starts at 9:50 am, followed by selected 2 km categories from 9:55 am, the 5.6 km at 10:30 am, and jogging or family starts later in the morning. All competition ends at 11:45 am. The 10 km has a checkpoint at 4 km, which must be passed within 40 minutes of starting; check the official race rules for eligibility and category-specific timing.

Race preparation and access

The organisers state that there will be no on-site race-day registration. Participants should arrive with their advance-issued materials; the original event T-shirt is mailed before race day. The event uses a bib-attached timing chip for applicable competitive divisions, and finishers can obtain an online record certificate rather than a paper certificate at the venue. Category winners are recognised according to official rules; the barrier-free, jogging and family divisions are not award categories.

The circuit parking gates open at 6:00 am, with the amusement-park gates opening at 7:00 am. Free parking is limited to about 2,500 vehicles for entrants presenting their participation notice. The organiser encourages public transport or car-sharing because the surrounding roads may be busy.

Registration closed on 2 October 2026 for the principal RUNNET and Loppi channels. This is an event listing, not an indication that new entries remain available. For detailed eligibility, fees, transport instructions and late event notices, consult the official organiser's website.