35th Ako Gishi Marathon 2026 - Hyogo, Japan

The 35th Ako Gishi Marathon brings runners to Hyogo Prefectural Ako Kaihin Park on Sunday 29 November 2026 for an established, friendly race that keeps its entire programme within the park. Rather than navigating a busy city centre, participants follow a special 5 km lap course that lends itself to consistent pacing and makes it straightforward for accompanying friends or family to see runners repeatedly. The event offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km, with men's and women's classifications.

Course and race-day schedule

The full marathon, half marathon and 5 km begin at 10:00 am Japan time, while the 10 km starts at 11:00 am. Full- and half-marathon runners start near the park's large playground equipment; shorter-distance runners start near the management office. The finish area is also by the management office. The organiser describes the route as a safe, park-based loop, and says the event proceeds in rain.

The overall finish deadline is 5:00 pm, around sunset, but full-distance runners need to begin their final circuit before 4:20 pm or their race will end. This last-lap rule matters more than a simple seven-hour finish target. Check the official course diagram for aid-station positions and follow marshals' instructions throughout the park.

Entering and preparing

Entries are first come, first served rather than a ballot. The organiser sets a maximum of 300 entrants each for the full and half marathon and 200 each for the 10 km and 5 km. Participants aged under 18 need parental consent; detailed eligibility and accessibility restrictions are in the Japanese race regulations.

Bib collection takes place on race morning, from 8:00 to 9:30 am for full, half and 5 km runners, and until 10:30 am for 10 km entrants. The office plans to post participation confirmation about two weeks beforehand. A participant gift is provided, with a T-shirt planned, and finishers receive a web results certificate; a paper version can be ordered at the event for an additional charge.

Getting there

The organiser advises travellers to use a West Shinki bus from JR Banshu-Ako Station, allowing around 10 minutes on board and checking the current timetable. Drivers can use the park's east or north car parks, for which the published daily charge is JPY 550. Accommodation must be booked independently. Read the official Japanese instructions before transferring the entry fee, since the organiser's direct online application requires payment by bank transfer before the form is submitted.