31st Okinawa Marathon 2027

The 31st Okinawa Marathon returns in February 2027 after a one-year pause, bringing back one of Okinawa's best-established mass-participation road races. The programme combines a JAAF-certified full marathon and 10 km road race on Sunday with the JTA Presents Okinawa Mini Marathon on Saturday. The published capacity is 13,500 runners for the marathon, 3,000 for the 10 km and 2,000 for the mini marathon.

Both main races start and finish at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park in Hiyagon, Okinawa City. The marathon is particularly distinctive for its journey through central Okinawa: runners can see the UNESCO-listed Katsuren Castle ruins and, at around the 30 km point, pass through Kadena Air Base. The organiser describes the opening half as comparatively flat before a tougher second half with repeated climbs and descents. Nine official aid stations are planned, with participating municipalities providing local Okinawan specialities alongside standard course support.

The full marathon starts at 09:00 on Sunday and has a 6 hour 15 minute limit. The 10 km starts at 09:40 with an 80-minute limit. Automatic timing is used for both, with marathon splits recorded every 5 km and intermediate road-closure cut-offs enforced. Finishers within the time limit receive a medal and web finisher certificate. Overall and age-group awards are offered, and the men's and women's marathon winners each receive a JPY 30,000 training-expense award.

Saturday's 4.2195 km mini marathon is an untimed loop inside Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, starting at 11:00 with a 90-minute limit. It is designed as the more relaxed family component of the weekend, with parent-child categories and an original towel souvenir.

Registration opened on 1 August 2026 and is scheduled to close on 13 December, or earlier if capacity is reached. Main-race bib and souvenir collection is available at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park Gymnasium on Saturday 20 February. The organiser also offers paid pre-booked shuttle services from Naha and free shuttles from designated temporary parking areas. The Chubu Kwacchii Festa food event runs at the venue across the weekend, giving visiting runners an additional taste of central Okinawa after racing.