Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon 2027

Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon 2027 is the 37th edition of one of Ibaraki Prefecture's established spring road-running events, staged from Kawaguchi Sports Park beside Lake Kasumigaura in Tsuchiura. The event combines a large general-participation programme with dedicated visually impaired divisions, making accessibility a central part of the race rather than a separate side event. Competition is conducted under Japan Association of Athletics Federations rules, with the blind marathon also operating under World Para Athletics rules and classifications.

The full marathon follows a certified course that starts and finishes around Kawaguchi Sports Park before heading around the lakeside countryside, with the halfway point beyond the Kasumigaura City History Museum. A 10-mile race of approximately 16.09 km and a 5K are also on the official programme. The 10-mile race begins first at 09:20 in two waves, followed by four marathon waves from 09:45 and the 5K at 10:30. The marathon has a six-hour race limit, with published checkpoints at 17 km and 28.5 km; the 10-mile limit is two hours and the 5K limit is 40 minutes.

Accessibility arrangements are unusually detailed. B1, B2 and B3 visually impaired divisions are offered across the marathon, 10-mile and 5K races, while World Para Athletics T11, T12 and T13 athletes can enter the full marathon division. Guide runners are recognised within the competition structure, and selected aid points include dedicated support for blind runners.

Course support is extensive, with water stations spread through the marathon from 5 km to 40.5 km. Selected stations also provide sports drink, bananas, chocolate, dousing water, medical support and toilets. The venue is about a five-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station, which makes the event relatively straightforward for runners arriving by train.

The race is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Ranking qualifying event. Its exchange programmes also connect leading runners with other international races, including Sydney Marathon, while additional partner-race opportunities are published for selected competitors. Entry is first-come, first-served, with early, standard and late application phases running from November 2026 through February 2027.