FUKUI SAKURA MARATHON 2027

FUKUI SAKURA MARATHON 2027 is the fourth edition of Fukui Prefecture's large-scale city marathon. Launched in 2024, the event has drawn more than 15,000 entries in each of its first three editions. The 2027 programme has capacity for 13,200 marathon runners, 1,300 runners in the 5K and 500 participants in the 1.5K. The marathon and 5K courses are certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations and World Athletics/AIMS.

The marathon starts near Fukui Station at the Daimyomachi intersection in two waves at 08:30 and 08:40 JST. The 5K begins at 09:15 and the 1.5K at 09:30. The full marathon has a seven-hour limit and eight intermediate checkpoints, with the final checkpoint at 38.4 km closing at 14:50 and the course closing at 15:30.

The 42.195 km route is notably flat, with a published high point of 21 metres and low point of 6 metres. It travels along Sakura-dori and Matsumoto-dori, crosses Shin-Kuzuryu Bridge, passes the Maruoka Castle area, follows the Kuzuryu and Kitsune river corridors, visits 9.98 Stadium and returns via the Asuwa River. Several sections are associated with spring cherry-blossom scenery. Maruoka Castle is scheduled to be covered during restoration work on race day.

General domestic marathon, 5K and 1.5K allocations filled quickly after registration opened in September 2026. A separate 500-place overseas-resident marathon allocation opened on 26 September and is scheduled to remain available until 9 November if capacity remains. Domestic runners receive bibs and timing materials by post in early March, while overseas-resident entrants collect their materials near the start on Saturday, 27 March. The organiser also plans 13 aid stations, including nine local-food Sakura Aid stations.