THE CHALLENGE RACE YAMAGUCHI 2 - Yamaguchi 2027

THE CHALLENGE RACE YAMAGUCHI 2 is a Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) accredited road race on Saturday 20 February 2027, staged at Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park in Ajisu, Yamaguchi City. It is the second of three separately scheduled Yamaguchi fixtures in the organiser's 2027 series, designed for runners seeking measured performances and qualifying times rather than a large city-marathon atmosphere.

Course and pacing

The race uses a 2.5 km, predominantly flat park circuit. The organiser describes less than 1.5 metres of height variation, with additional turning sections to complete the precise marathon and half-marathon distances. The mile event uses a special shortened course. The same start and finish area is shown on the organiser's course diagram.

Eleven pacing groups are advertised, with full-marathon targets from 2:40 to 4:20. The event is associated with the organiser's R.LEAGUE running rankings and TEAM ONE TOKYO programme. Accredited results may be relevant to qualifying applications, subject to the receiving event's own rules.

Race-day programme and limits

Registration and bib collection are scheduled 08:00–09:00 JST, followed by the opening ceremony at 09:10–09:20. The marathon, 30 km, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km start together at 09:30. The separate one-mile race starts at approximately 09:33, as stated in the event-specific registration rules. The organiser expects racing to finish by 14:00.

Published cut-offs are 4 hours 30 minutes for the marathon, 3 hours 12 minutes for 30 km, 2 hours 30 minutes for the half marathon, 90 minutes for 10 km, 40 minutes for 5 km and 12 minutes for one mile. The organiser also applies intermediate checkpoints to longer races. The total field is limited to 500 entrants, with individual distance caps; entries can close early.

Support and runner services

There is an aid point on each 2.5 km circuit, with drinks and energy products advertised. Chip timing is provided. Finishers can download a digital results certificate, and event photos are offered through the organiser's account system. Bibs and timing chips are collected on race morning, not posted, and chips must be returned after the race. Basic changing tents and toilets are available. There is a self-service bag area but no staffed valuables or baggage custody.

Entry and travel

The event-specific registration platform lists entries until 16 February 2027 at 23:59 JST, subject to capacity. Cancellation and transfers are generally not refundable. The park is approximately 30 minutes on foot from Ajisu Station, or around 15 minutes by taxi from Shin-Yamaguchi Station; allow extra time for the 08:00–09:00 check-in. Parking exists but may be busy. The map pin is an approximate park location, not a surveyed starting-line coordinate. Check the organiser's final pre-race notices for any timetable or operational changes.

Distance registry note: The organiser also offers a one-mile (approximately 1.609 km) race for JPY 3,300, which cannot be shown as a separate ARC distance card because that exact distance is not in the current registry.