47th Yokoshima Strawberry Marathon / Tamana Idaten Marathon 2027

The 47th Yokoshima Strawberry Marathon and Tamana Idaten Marathon 2027 bring two established road-running events together in Tamana, Kumamoto, on the last Sunday of February. The meeting combines the Tamana Idaten full marathon with the long-running Yokoshima Strawberry Marathon programme, creating a field of up to 6,000 runners across the marathon and shorter races.

The course is one of the event's defining features. Runners travel through Yokoshima's agricultural landscape, reclaimed farmland and sections along the Kikuchi River, with very little elevation change. The organiser describes the route as flat and suitable for runners chasing steady pacing, while aid stations highlight local produce including strawberries and mini tomatoes. The event is also closely tied to Tamana's running heritage through Shizo Kanakuri, Japan's first Olympic marathon runner and a key figure in the development of distance running in the country.

The full marathon starts at 09:00 and has a six-hour limit, with intermediate cut-offs at 21.8 km, 26 km, 34.8 km and 38.6 km. The half marathon starts at 10:00 with a three-hour limit, followed by the 10K at 10:35 and 5K at 10:40. Primary-school 3K waves start between 09:30 and 09:45, while a separate 2.5K leisure category starts at 10:10.

There is no race-day registration or normal race-pack collection. Bib numbers, timing chips and participation items are mailed to entrants so they arrive around 10 days before the event. Free shuttle buses are planned between the race venue, designated parking areas, Shin-Tamana Station and Tamana Station, with outbound services beginning from 07:00. Registration is first-come, first-served and can close early if capacity is reached.