Sunday, November 1, 2026
· This weekend
Distance
Start Time
Terrain
Difficulty
The 57th Towa Road Race takes place on 1 November 2026 in the Towa district of Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Runners choose between 10 km, 5 km and 2 km on a fully paved road course that starts and finishes at a temporary gate beside the Ota Community Centre ground. The route is known for its two signature climbs, Jigokuzaka (Hell Slope) and Gokurakuzaka (Paradise Slope), which give the race its reputation as a tough but enjoyable challenge. Divisions cover primary school children, junior high and high school students, age-graded adults and parent-and-child pairs, and the day opens with a ceremony at 8:20 before the first 2 km wave sets off. Numbers and programmes are posted to entrants in advance, so there is no race-day registration.
Jigokuzaka (Hell Slope) climb
Gokurakuzaka (Paradise Slope) climb
Paved road course through the Towa district of Nihonmatsu City
Start and finish at the temporary gate in front of the Ota Community Centre ground
Qualification
Start / Finish
Temporary gate in front of the Ota Community Centre ground, Towa district, Nihonmatsu City
Temporary gate in front of the Ota Community Centre ground, Towa district, Nihonmatsu City
Terrain
Route
Race Day
What you get
Participation award: Mizuno original T-shirt (paid entrants)
Web finisher certificate (WEB完走証)
Marathon insurance arranged by the organiser
Free baggage storage (valuables excluded)
Prizes to the top six in each division, and top ten in the primary school and parent-and-child divisions
On the day
Bag drop
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
No. There is no on-the-day reception. Number cards and programmes are posted to entrants in mid-October, so bring the number card you receive by post.
Parent-and-child entries are made under the name of the parent, grandparent or guardian who will run with the child. The pair must hold hands when crossing the finish line. If hands are apart, the pair cannot be ranked.
Primary and junior high school students living in Nihonmatsu City enter free, excluding the parent-and-child pair. Those who want an early start number card or the participation T-shirt should enter through RUNNET and pay the 1,500 yen entry fee.
It is a paved road course that takes in the race's two famous climbs, Jigokuzaka (Hell Slope) and Gokurakuzaka (Paradise Slope). The combination of tough climbing and fast running makes it a demanding but enjoyable route.
Yes, there is a free baggage storage area. Valuables cannot be left there, so please keep them with you.
Nihonmatsu, Japan
Sunday, November 1, 2026
More races like this one
€14
entry fee