Biwako Marathon 2027

Biwako Marathon 2027 is the fifth edition of Shiga Prefecture's mass-participation lakeside marathon, carrying forward the tradition of the historic Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon. The event starts at Ojiyama Athletic Stadium in Otsu and follows a point-to-point route beside Japan's largest lake to Karasuma Peninsula, crossing through Otsu, Kusatsu and Moriyama. The organiser describes the course as predominantly flat, with only small undulations, making it suitable both for first-time marathoners and runners chasing a personal best.

The 42.195K marathon starts at 8:20am and has a six-hour gun-time limit, with five intermediate cut-off checkpoints. The field has been expanded to 8,000 runners for the fifth edition. A two-person pair relay is also held over roughly the marathon distance: the first runner covers about 26 km from Ojiyama Athletic Stadium to the relay point at Karasuma Peninsula, then the second runner completes about 16 km before finishing back at Karasuma Peninsula. Relay teams also have a six-hour limit and start behind the marathon field.

The course is certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations and is run under World Athletics, JAAF and event rules. Scenery is a major part of the race, with views across Lake Biwa towards Mount Hiei, the Hira mountains and, in clear conditions, Mount Ibuki. The event also highlights Shiga through aid-station food such as local rice products and other regional specialities. Pacers are planned across a broad range of target times from 3:00 through 6:00, including a six-hour completion support group.

General marathon, pair-relay and overseas entries have already reached their current limits, although the organiser continues to list limited special entry channels subject to availability. The published entry window runs to 30 October 2026. Domestic participants receive their athlete bib, timing chip and selected participation gift in advance, with no race-day or previous-day check-in. Overseas runner reception arrangements are handled separately by the organiser.

Participants choose one entry gift from a T-shirt, long-sleeve T-shirt or running gloves. Marathon finishers receive a medal and finisher towel. Overall awards cover the top eight men and women, with additional age-group and disability-category awards. Race-day access is designed around public transport, and free shuttle buses operate from the Karasuma Peninsula finish area to JR Kusatsu and Moriyama stations.