35th Hiroshima Bay Marathon 2026 - Saka, Hiroshima

The 35th Hiroshima Bay Marathon takes place on Sunday 29 November 2026 in Saka, a coastal town on Hiroshima Bay. This established community road race offers a full marathon, half marathon and 5K on routes based at the Chugoku Electric Power Saka Sports Facility and Moriyama Jogging Course. Unlike a major city-centre marathon, it uses a compact out-and-back and lap-based layout with views towards the bay's bridges and a local atmosphere. Saka Town reports that 1,502 runners from 40 Japanese prefectures participated in the 2025 edition.

Course and race programme

The full marathon covers 42.195 km and the half marathon 21.0975 km. Both are described by the town as flat, uncertified courses, so runners should not assume results qualify as certified marathon performances. Longer-distance participants must keep track of their own laps. The marathon has a six-hour limit, with runners unable to begin another lap after 3:15 pm; competition ends as roads reopen at 4:00 pm. The 5K follows an out-and-back section of the Moriyama Jogging Course.

Race-day check-in opens at 8:00 am, followed by the opening ceremony at 8:30 am. The 5K starts at 9:00 am; the half and full marathons both begin at 10:10 am. Published awards and prize draws are scheduled for approximately 11:20 am for 5K, 1:00 pm for the half marathon and 2:00 pm for the marathon. Capacity is limited to 700 in the 5K and 500 in each longer distance.

Participant arrangements

Entries ran from 1 July to 18 September 2026 and are now closed. The half-marathon allocation filled before the general deadline. Registration was available through RUNNET, by post and at designated Saka Town counters. Participants collect their race numbers, shoe-mounted RC timing chips and commemorative items on race morning; these are not mailed in advance. Timing chips must be returned after the event.

For the half and full marathons, the organiser lists two on-course refreshment points offering water, sports drinks, bananas, lemons and sweets. The venue has toilets, changing rooms, food vendors and parking. A local post-race tradition is oyster rice porridge, scheduled from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm while supplies last. Prize draws include travel vouchers and other gifts for eligible participants who remain at the venue.

The sports facility is approximately a seven-minute walk from JR Saka Station on the Kure Line. Participants travelling from Hiroshima should allow time for rail connections and local traffic restrictions. The race is planned to proceed in ordinary rain, but severe weather warnings may force cancellation. Check the town's official notice for final race-day changes.