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Event Detail
The 36th Bando City Masakado Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 8 November 2026 in Bando, Ibaraki Prefecture. Named after the historical figure Taira no Masakado, who is associated with the region, the race has grown into an established municipal road-running festival. The half marathon is staged on a Japan Athletics-certified route. A 10 km and 5 km road race, together with 3 km, shorter children’s events and parent-and-child categories, bring together runners of different ages and abilities.
The organisers advertise approximately 3,100 half-marathon places. The half-marathon course has a two-hour-30-minute time limit, with an intermediate checkpoint near 15.7 km after two hours 10 minutes. Runners hoping to finish within the official limit should account for the checkpoint rather than simply relying on their expected overall finishing time. Age eligibility and wave arrangements vary between categories.
The starting area is on the road beside the Bando Municipal Iwai Community Centre, also known as Kaze no Toride, while the finish is at the athletics stadium inside Yasaka Comprehensive Park. Because the start and finish are different locations, participants should allow for the short transfer when making plans with friends or deciding where to meet afterwards. The shorter races begin around 9:45 am Japan time, with the half marathon scheduled for 10:00 am, the 10 km for 10:10 am and the 5 km shortly afterwards. Confirm individual wave times in the final official athlete guide.
The organisers have advertised an advance-reservation paid shuttle from Moriya Station, which is served by the Tsukuba Express. Road closures and event traffic may affect travel across central Bando. Registration opened in July and closed on 31 August 2026, so the race should not be advertised as currently open for entry. Race materials are arranged in advance, and local hospitality is part of the event's appeal. Check the official event guide for route plans, bib delivery, baggage arrangements, eligibility and late updates.