Event Detail
The 48th Matsue Ladies Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 21 March 2027 in Matsue, the lakeside capital of Shimane Prefecture in western Japan. The organiser has confirmed the date and edition, and World Athletics lists the meeting as incorporating the All Japan University Women's Half Marathon Championships. This gives the race significance beyond a typical local road run, bringing the women's half-marathon tradition together with university-level competition.
A long-running women's race
Matsue's event began in 1980, when it was established as Japan's first women-only marathon event. Over subsequent decades it has become an important fixture for women's distance running. Former participants have included Japanese Olympic marathon champions Naoko Takahashi and Mizuki Noguchi. The event is associated with Matsue Castle and the historic city centre, and previous editions have featured a road course around the castle district and nearby streets. The Japan Association of Athletics Federations lists Shimane Prefectural Civic Hall as the planned 2027 starting venue for the accompanying university championship. The detailed 2027 course and finish arrangements are not yet confirmed in the organiser's published regulations.
Who should consider it?
The 21.1 km half marathon is the confirmed headline distance. Historically, the main race has been reserved for adult women, while accompanying 10 km, jogging and children's categories have allowed broader community participation. The organiser has not yet issued the final 2027 category and eligibility rules, so runners should not assume that every previous distance will return. The half marathon also provides a competitive setting for university women through the associated national championship.
Planning a trip to Matsue
Matsue is known for its original castle, canals and proximity to Lake Shinji. Runners travelling from elsewhere in Japan can reach the city by rail and use local buses to access the castle area. In previous editions, event activities have centred on the Shimane Prefectural Civic Hall and Matsue Castle precinct, but the 2027 race village, bib collection point and transport arrangements remain subject to confirmation. Allow time for road closures and follow the final organiser instructions rather than relying on older maps.
2027 information still pending: official flag-off time, detailed route, entry fees, registration opening and closing dates, field limits, cut-offs, race-pack collection, participant gifts and prizes. The organiser's current entry-guidelines page states that details are being prepared. Check the official event website for the new regulations before registering or making non-refundable travel plans.