75th Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon 2027

The 75th Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon returns on Sunday, 7 February 2027 as one of Japan's long-established classic road races. Founded in 1952, the event has played an important role in Japanese marathon history and the organiser still describes it as one of the country's three major classic races. The 2027 edition is part of the Marathon Grand Championship Series 2026-27 as a men's G1 event and also serves as a Japanese selection race for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The race is a single 42.195 km marathon on a JAAF-certified course. It starts in Oita City in front of Takasakiyama and the Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago, follows the coastal corridor towards Beppu, turns near Kamegawa Fishing Port, and finishes at J-Lease Stadium in Oita. Official intermediate performances at 15 km, 20 km, half marathon, 25 km and 30 km can be recognised for runners who complete the marathon, but these are certified split points rather than separate race categories.

This is a performance-focused event rather than an open fun run. Entrants must be at least 19 on race day and hold a qualifying performance achieved since 1 January 2025 on a JAAF or AIMS-certified course. Category 1 includes marathon performances of 2:30:00 or faster plus other elite standards; Category 2 requires 2:55:00 or faster, Category 3 2:59:59 or faster, and Category 4 permits marathon times up to 3:30:00. Categories 2 to 4 closed on 10 September 2026, with Category 4 decided by lottery. A limited second recruitment is scheduled for 4 to 10 November for runners who newly achieve the qualification standard, while Category 1 remains open until 7 December.

Race-day cut-offs are strict: 10 km in 52 minutes, 15 km in 1:16, 20 km in 1:40, 25 km in 2:05, 30 km in 2:30, 35 km in 2:55 and 40 km in 3:20. Category 1 athletes may place special drinks on the course. The organiser transports approved baggage from the start area to the finish, while valuables remain the runner's responsibility. Athlete check-in is compulsory on the day before the race and must be completed in person.