44th Kawaguchi Marathon 2026 - Saitama, Japan

The 44th Kawaguchi Marathon takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026 in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. This long-running municipal road-racing fixture is expected to attract around 6,000 participants, with a half marathon, 10K, 3K and 2K races for schoolchildren and families. It is a half-marathon-centred event despite the traditional "Marathon" name: there is no 42.195K race. The previous edition recorded 6,181 participants across the programme.

Course and race atmosphere

All races start within Aokicho Park General Sports Ground (Aokicho Koen Sogo Undojo) at 4-8-1 Nishi-Aoki, Kawaguchi. The finish is on the athletics track inside the same sports complex. The longer races leave the park and use city streets, moving from built-up Kawaguchi towards outer neighbourhoods before returning to the stadium. The half-marathon course is broadly flat but includes some bends and undulations; RUNNET's 2026 race preview gives a maximum elevation difference of approximately 19.2 metres. The half marathon and 10K each have a 2,000-runner entry limit, with intermediate checkpoints and time restrictions.

Race-day timetable

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:40–8:00 am Japan Standard Time. The 2K schoolchildren's waves begin at 8:10 am, with girls' and younger pupils' starts following at 8:12, 8:15 and 8:17; the family 2K starts at 8:20. The half marathon starts at 8:30 am, the 10K at 8:45 am, and the 3K at 8:55 am. Participants should check their final race instructions for category-specific arrangements and road-closure information.

Entry and participation rules

Registration was first-come, first-served through RUNNET, with a Kawaguchi-resident priority period from 18–25 August and general entries from 1–18 September 2026. The RUNNET transfer-entry period ended on 20 September; entries are now closed. High-school participants have discounted rates for the half marathon, 10K and 3K, while the 2K has separate primary-school and family categories. The family event is for an adult guardian aged 18 or older running with a child in primary school years 1–2. The 2K individual event is for primary years 3–6. Participants requiring a guide runner can request a guide bib at the race-day information desk.

Practical information

There is no race-day bib collection. The organiser says race bibs, timing chips and the programme will be posted to entrants in late November; runners must bring them on the day. An event T-shirt is provided, web-based result certificates are available, and finishers receive a drink. Baggage storage is provided except for valuables; food or retail stalls and mobile AED teams are planned. Awards extend to sixth place in each competition category. Guest runners include local athletes Ryo Kuchimachi and Moe Yamada.

No participant parking is provided for the event. Public transport is recommended, with local buses serving Aokicho Park from Nishi-Kawaguchi and Kawaguchi stations. Confirm any changes with the organiser before travelling.