9th Okinawa 100K Ultramarathon 2026

The 9th Okinawa 100K Ultramarathon is an established southern Okinawa road ultra linking Yonabaru, Itoman, Yaese and Nanjo on Sunday, 20 December 2026. The programme is led by the 100K and 50K ultras, with a 22.5K Nirai Kanai Run & Walk providing a shorter scenic option. All races finish at Yonakohama Park in Yonabaru.

The 100K starts before dawn at 05:00 from Yonakohama Park. Its coastal route heads via Ou Island to the turnaround and rest station at Itoman City Hall, then returns across southern Okinawa. The organiser highlights a demanding climbing section around kilometres 70 to 80, followed by the descent from Nirai Kanai Bridge, where runners are rewarded with broad coastal views. The 100K has a 14-hour limit, and runners are specifically advised to bring a headlamp because the opening 90 minutes are in darkness.

The 50K begins at 10:00 from Itoman City Hall, which is the 100K turnaround. It crosses Itoman's agricultural areas and traditional settlements before continuing through Yaese and towards Nirai Kanai Bridge, then finishes at Yonakohama Park. Its time limit has been extended to nine hours for 2026. The 22.5K Run & Walk starts from Gusuku Road Park and is designed around southern Okinawa sightseeing, passing or detouring towards landmarks including Nirai Kanai Bridge, Sefa Utaki, Chinen Cape Park and Azama Sun-Sun Beach.

Aid stations are planned every 2.5 km from the 7.5 km point, with toilets at aid locations and distance markers every 5 km. Exact 2026 checkpoint locations and closing times are still to be published. Runners can leave baggage at their respective start venues for collection at Yonakohama Park, while 100K entrants receive a dedicated drop bag for the Itoman City Hall rest station.

Online entry remains open until 31 October 2026 unless a category reaches capacity earlier. The organiser also operates race-day shuttle options from central Naha and between the main venue and the 50K and 22.5K starts, making transport planning important for travelling runners.