Race Categories
Event Detail
Run beside the Chikugo River
The Chikugo River Marathon 2026 (筑後川マラソン2026) takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026 on the riverside cycling paths beside Kurume Hyakunen Park in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Organised by NPO Aiai, this is a multi-distance road-running event on the floodplain of the Chikugo River. The open, mostly flat paved course has few bends or changes in elevation, making it attractive to runners seeking a steady pace as well as those taking on a shorter distance. Despite the event's name, its 2026 programme does not include a full 42.2 km marathon.
Distances and start times
All times are Japan Standard Time (JST; UTC+9) on 1 November:
- Half marathon (approximately 21.1 km): 9:00 am, four-hour limit; entry fee JPY 8,500.
- 3 km: 9:30 am, 40-minute limit; entry fee JPY 2,000.
- 5 km: 9:45 am, one-hour limit; entry fee JPY 4,000.
- 10 km: 10:45 am, two-hour limit; entry fee JPY 6,000.
- 1.5 km disability category: 12:15 pm, 30-minute limit; entry fee JPY 1,000.
The opening ceremony begins at 8:30 am at the half-marathon start area. The half marathon and 3 km head upstream, while the 5 km and 10 km follow downstream routes. The organiser states that distance markers appear every kilometre, with drinking-water points and toilets approximately every 3 km. Because some paths are narrow and runners pass in opposing directions, participants must stay left and take care while overtaking. Ordinary headphones are prohibited; the published rules allow bone-conduction alternatives.
Registration and race-day arrangements
Entries for the 2026 event have closed. The official registration period ended on 31 July 2026; this listing is useful for confirmed entrants and spectators, not an invitation to register. Race bibs/timing tags were offered by advance post around 10 October or collection at Sports Depo Kurume Kushihara from 16–30 October according to the organiser's arrangements. There is no race-day bib collection. Runners must bring their issued bib and timing tag and return the tag afterwards. Completion certificates are available online. The organiser also lists paid baggage storage at the venue.
The venue is the Chikugo River riverbank beside Kurume Hyakunen Park. The organiser recommends public transport, including a roughly 15-minute walk from Nishitetsu Miyanoshin Station; nearby parking is limited. Check the official participant instructions and any weather or course updates before travelling.
Official event information: https://chikugogawa-m.jp/about/
Official registration/status: https://chikugogawa-m.jp/entry/