Kobe Valentine's Day Love Run 2027

Kobe Valentine's Day Love Run returns on Sunday 14 February 2027 to Port Island, Kobe, Japan, with a friendly programme of road racing for individual runners, couples, friends and relay teams. The organisers describe a predominantly flat, straight-lined route through the waterfront district, with views of Kobe's harbour. The event has a fitting finishing tradition: runners receive a chocolate gift after completing their race.

Course and race formats

The half marathon (21.0975 km) is aimed at runners aged 16 and over. It starts at 9:30 am JST and has a 2-hour-30-minute cut-off. There is an intermediate checkpoint at the 10 km mark near Shimin Hiroba, which must be passed by 10:50 am. The 10 km starts at 11:00 am and also has a minimum age of 16, with a 75-minute limit.

A 5 km paired event starts at 9:50 am. It is for teams of two, aged 12 or over, and has a 50-minute limit. There is also a four-stage road relay of approximately 20.4 km with 4.5 km for the first leg and 5.3 km for each of the remaining legs. The relay starts at 12:05 pm and is open to teams aged 12 or over, including open and women's categories. Public-road running for the relay ends at 2:00 pm. ARC's current distance selectors do not include this exact relay format, so it is explained here rather than inaccurately tagged as a half marathon.

Entry choices and atmosphere

The organiser offers standard, optional event-shirt and charity packages for the half marathon and 10 km. Selected 10 km and paired 5 km packages also include a tea party; the advertised prices for add-ons differ from standard fees. Charity options support children's community meals. The 5 km and relay pricing is per pair/team, not per participant. Fancy dress is permitted for the 5 km event, contributing to the festival's relaxed Valentine's Day atmosphere.

Getting there and race-day essentials

The half marathon starts on Portopia Boulevard on Port Island, and the organiser identifies Port Island Shimin Hiroba as the finishing venue. Take the Port Liner from Sannomiya to Shimin Hiroba Station, a short walk from the event centre. The map pin is approximate and should not be treated as a surveyed start point. The opening ceremony is provisionally scheduled for 8:45 am. Bibs are expected to be mailed in advance, with no general race-day registration desk, although the relay will have on-site check-in. Runners should consult the organiser's final notice before travel.

Registration and restrictions

The organiser's official RUNNET entry window is 1 October to 27 December 2026, subject to capacity. Announced limits are 2,500 half-marathon runners, 1,500 at 10 km, 500 pairs at 5 km and 250 relay teams. Entrants should select the appropriate add-on option if they want a T-shirt or tea-party package; these are not standard inclusions. Check the organiser's latest 2027 race guidance for route closures, bib-delivery updates and final instructions.