41st Ibara National Health Marathon & 30th Okayama Half Marathon Championships 2027

The 41st National Health Marathon Ibara and 30th Okayama Prefecture Half Marathon Championships take place in Ibara, Okayama Prefecture, on Sunday 7 March 2027. This long-running community road race combines a Japan Association of Athletics Federations-certified half marathon with 5 km racing and two accessible 2 km options. The programme caters for competitive club athletes, younger runners and families, while the prefectural championship adds a serious racing dimension.

Course and race morning

All races start and finish at the Ibara Sports Park Athletics Stadium, a 400-metre track and multi-sport complex in Kamizutobecho. The half marathon follows a generally flat certified road course, which the organiser promotes as suitable for runners aiming at a personal best. The half marathon starts at 10:00 JST, both 2 km races at 10:10, and the 5 km at 10:20. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 09:10, after participant check-in between 08:00 and 09:00.

The half marathon has a three-hour road-control window, with checkpoints on the return leg. The organiser advises that traffic lights resume normal operation at 13:00; anyone continuing afterwards must use the footpath and obey signals, and will not receive an official time. The 5 km has a 50-minute limit. The 2 km Challenge is for primary-school children, while the untimed Enjoy category is open to all ages.

Entry and on-site arrangements

Registration is online through RUNNET and closes on 31 December 2026, subject to the organiser's conditions. Runners entering the prefectural half-marathon championship must meet Okayama athletics registration requirements. Check the official regulations for age and eligibility rules before applying.

The stadium is roughly a 10 to 20-minute walk from Ibara Station on the Ibara Railway. The venue has limited parking, and the city encourages public transport. The event offers valuables storage inside Ibara Gymnasium; do not assume full luggage storage. Plan extra time for check-in and local traffic controls.

The Ibara experience

A distinctive tradition is special curry rice served after the race, with a voucher supplied in the event booklet. Participants also receive an original event T-shirt. Awards recognise leading finishers, and eligible half-marathon finishers can enter a draw for four places in Okayama Marathon 2027. Former Japanese international distance runner Kayoko Fukushi is announced as a guest. Ibara's denim heritage, local produce and countryside make the race a worthwhile early-spring visit.