30th Utagaki no Sato Road Race Saga 2027

The 30th Utagaki no Sato Road Race brings an established community athletics meeting to Shiroishi in Saga Prefecture on Sunday 7 March 2027. Organised with Shiroishi Town and the Saga Athletics Association, the anniversary edition combines officially certified 5 km and 10 km road races with shorter junior events and a family jog. Guest runners are scheduled to take part, giving the meeting an additional link to the region's competitive running scene.

Course and race programme

The longer courses run through the broad, largely level Shiroishi Plain, a farming landscape south-west of Saga City. The organiser describes its certified 5 km and 10 km routes as having few turns or changes in elevation, making them attractive for runners pursuing a measured road-race performance. The course map places the start near the Shiroishi Town sports ground and the finish near the town hall. Runners should follow the organiser's current course diagram rather than assume that the different distances share every section.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 08:00 JST. Junior 3 km divisions begin at 09:00, followed by primary-school 2 km divisions from 09:45, 5 km divisions from 10:30 and 10 km divisions from 11:20. A family jogging event of approximately 1.6 km is also scheduled from around 11:25. The published time limits are 18 minutes for 3 km, 13 minutes for 2 km, 43 minutes for 5 km and 90 minutes for 10 km. Organisers may halt a participant if they would interfere with the next start.

Entry and practical arrangements

Registration is offered through RUNNET and Sports Entry, with telephone, fax and group-entry alternatives described on the town website. Entries close on 15 December 2026; additional booking fees apply. Changes of event and refunds are not permitted after entry. Entrants should bring their mailed participation notice to race-day check-in at Shiroishi Town General Community Centre, where collection times vary by category. The 10 km check-in window is 07:50 to 10:00.

The organiser lists awards for the top six in most competitive divisions, with primary-school prizes by year group, participation gifts and lucky-draw prizes. For travel, Hizen-Shiroishi Station on the JR Nagasaki Line is approximately a 15-minute walk from the event area. Drivers should expect traffic restrictions and check the organiser's latest parking advice. The event is scheduled to proceed in rain, but severe conditions or other safety issues can affect arrangements.