79th Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon 2027

The Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon returns for its 79th edition in February 2027 as one of Japan's most established elite road races. The event was the first half marathon in Japan to receive World Athletics Elite Label status, and the 79th edition again carries the Elite Label. It is staged in Marugame, Kagawa, on a World Athletics and Japan Association of Athletics Federations certified half-marathon course linked to Shikoku Kasei MEGLIO Stadium. The organiser describes the route as a flat, high-speed course suited both to elite athletes chasing fast times and recreational runners aiming for personal bests.

The programme runs across two days. Saturday 6 February features the 3K races, with the men's start at 11:50 and women's start at 12:35. The half marathon follows on Sunday 7 February in four waves: A at 10:35, B at 10:45, C1 at 10:55 and C2 at 11:00. Division A is for runners meeting stringent certified qualifying standards, B has faster qualification requirements, while C is open to runners capable of finishing within three hours. The 3K has a 25-minute race limit.

Half-marathon course control points close at 11:50 for 5K, 12:30 for 10K, 13:10 for 15K, 13:34 for 18K and 13:50 for 20K, with the finish closing at 14:00. The 3K finish closes at 12:15 for men and 13:00 for women. The event operates under World Athletics and JAAF competition rules, including World Athletics Road Race Label Regulations and anti-doping provisions.

General entry opened on 14 September 2026. The B division reached capacity early and closed on 25 September, while A, C and 3K entries are scheduled through 13 November unless their quotas fill sooner. International entrants can collect race materials at Shikoku Kasei MEGLIO Stadium on Saturday, with division-specific Sunday morning collection also available. Runners are encouraged to use public transport and the organiser's free shuttle services from JR Marugame Station and designated locations. Participation awards for the half marathon and 3K include a sports towel, and all participants receive original Sanuki udon dried noodles.