55th Tatsuno City Plum and Sea Breeze Marathon 2027

The 55th Tatsuno City Plum and Sea Breeze Marathon (第55回たつの市梅と潮の香マラソン大会) returns to the Mitsu district of Tatsuno, Hyogo Prefecture, on Sunday 31 January 2027. This long-established Japanese community road race is known for combining views of the Harima coast and Shinmaiko Beach with inland climbs, a tunnel section and the area's plum-growing heritage. The event offers a competitive half marathon and 10K alongside shorter runs for local runners, students and families.

Course and race-day experience

The course follows sections of Harima Seaside Road (National Route 250) through Mitsu and neighbouring areas. It is not a uniformly flat seaside run: the organiser describes a route that moves from coastal scenery into the hills before returning towards the sea. Kilometre markers are provided at approximately 1 km intervals, with hydration stations roughly every 5 km. The half-marathon field is limited to 1,900 runners, while the 10K is capped at 800. The programme begins at 08:40 Japan Standard Time, after the 07:45 opening ceremony; individual distance flag-off times should be checked in the final programme.

Cut-offs and race rules

Half-marathon runners have 2 hours 40 minutes to finish. Intermediate half-marathon checkpoints close at approximately 11.0 km (1h 20m), 15.7 km (1h 50m) and 19.1 km (2h 20m) after the gun. The 10K has a 90-minute limit. High-school students cannot enter the half marathon. The wider programme includes 2K, 3K and 5K races and an approximately 1.7K family jog; family-jog participants are not chip timed.

Entry, bibs and practicalities

Registration is via the organiser's RUNNET link and is scheduled to close 20 November 2026, subject to places remaining. The organiser mails bibs and timing chips in advance: there is no race-day athlete registration. Bring both items and report to your start block at least 15 minutes early. Changing facilities are available, but there is no general baggage-storage service; limited valuables storage is provided. Road restrictions are planned from approximately 08:30 to 11:10. Parking is limited, so car-sharing or the organiser's shuttle arrangements are recommended. Travellers should confirm the final shuttle timetable and road-access details before departure.

Awards and local character

The organiser lists awards through eighth place in student divisions and sixth place in general divisions, plus special awards and a local-products draw. Adult entrants receive an original event T-shirt; school-age and family entrants receive an event towel. Local speciality items and an event programme are also advertised. Check the official race website for updates, including any weather-related changes or cancellation notices.