Kagoshima Marathon 2027

Kagoshima Marathon 2027 is a major city and destination race in southern Kyushu, with a 10,000-runner marathon and a 3,000-runner Fun Run. The 2027 edition is a countdown event for the 200th anniversary of Saigo Takamori's birth and the 150th anniversary of his death. The marathon uses a Japan Association of Athletics Federations certified 42.195 km road course.

The marathon starts at 08:30 in front of the former Dolphin Port site on Kagoshima's waterfront. The route runs through central Kagoshima before heading along Kinko Bay, passing areas associated with Tenmonkan, the Saigo Takamori statue and Sengan-en, then continues towards a turnaround at Shigetomi in neighbouring Aira City. Runners get coastal views towards Sakurajima before returning to finish in front of Kagoshima City Hall. The organiser describes the course as relatively flat.

The marathon has a seven-hour gun-time limit and nine scheduled checkpoints, beginning at 4.5 km and continuing through 41.2 km. Start blocks are assigned using declared performance. Faster runners who meet the published certified-time standards can apply for the front S block. The companion 8.9 km Fun Run starts after all marathon runners have crossed the start line, is not chip timed, and finishes in front of Yamakataya by 10:15.

Registration is closed. The organiser announced on 19 October 2026 that both the marathon and Fun Run had reached capacity. The originally advertised deadline was 31 October. For Japan-based entrants, athlete bibs are scheduled to be mailed in mid-February. Participant gifts can be collected at the hospitality area in Chuo Park from 6 March, with limited collection also available on race day.

The 2027 event adds a Saigo-themed section from roughly 30 km to 39 km, local food and sweets stations, and special anniversary activities. The organiser also highlights volunteer and roadside support throughout the course.