Kumejima Marathon 2026

Kumejima Marathon 2026 is the 38th edition of an established Okinawan island race first held in 1989. The event starts and finishes at Kumejima Town Nakazato Baseball Stadium and offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and 3K.

The marathon makes an almost complete circuit of Kumejima, reaching the northern coastline at about 5 km before continuing towards the Miifugaa rock area and returning south along the western side of the island. The full and half-marathon routes have a maximum elevation difference of about 20 metres, while the shorter courses stay within about 10 metres.

The marathon starts at 08:00 and has a seven-hour limit, including checkpoints at 23 km after 3 hours 40 minutes and 33 km after 5 hours 30 minutes. The 3K starts at 08:30, half marathon at 09:30, 10K at 09:40 and 5K at 10:00. Their limits are 45 minutes, 3 hours 30 minutes, two hours and 90 minutes respectively.

Off-island entrants receive bibs and participant materials in advance, while Kumejima residents complete advance check-in at the town hall before race weekend. Travelling runners should arrange transport and accommodation early because island capacity becomes tight during the event period.

After racing and awards, the traditional Fureai Party brings runners together with local food and Okinawan community entertainment. The event also uses a masters format with awards across five-year age bands.