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The Chikugo River Marathon runs on Sunday 1 November 2026 along the riverbed of the Chikugo River in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Every race starts and finishes at the Hyakunen Park riverbed, following the paved cycling road that traces the water with almost no elevation change and very few curves, which is what makes it a favourite for runners hunting a personal best as well as for those lining up at their first event. Five distances share the day: a half marathon, 10km, 5km, 3km and a 1.5km race for people with disabilities, and the closing times are deliberately generous, with four hours allowed for the half and two for the 10km. There is no race-day registration, as bibs, timing tags and participation prizes are posted out beforehand, so runners can simply arrive at the venue in time for their start. The opening ceremony is at 8:30 and the first wave goes at 9:00. The course is narrow in places, so runners keep left and take care when passing, and conditions on the riverside change noticeably with the weather, with sunscreen and heat measures worth packing for a sunny day.
Paved cycling road on the Chikugo River riverbed
Very little elevation change and few curves, ideal for chasing a fast time
Generous time limits of 4 hours for the half marathon and 2 hours for the 10km
Race bibs and timing tags mailed out in advance so there is no race-day registration
Riverside setting through the natural scenery of the Chikugo River
Qualification
Start / Finish
Hyakunen Park riverbed, Kurume City
Hyakunen Park riverbed, Kurume City
Terrain
Route
Getting There
Race Day
What to bring
Athlete bib (mailed in advance)
Timing tag (mailed in advance, must be returned)
Copy of My Number Card or qualification confirmation document (front and back)
Bib and timing tag (sent in advance) - must be brought on race day; you may not be able to start without them
Copy of your My Number card (front and back), for use if you are taken to hospital
Timing tag must be returned; a 3,000 yen charge applies if not returned
What you get
Chip timing
Participation prize (a scarf towel is planned), mailed in advance
Finisher record certificate
Record details downloadable from the event website, with both gun time and net time measured
Baggage storage in a Sagawa Express truck (500 yen)
Sports injury insurance taken out by the organiser
Roving first-aid runners on the course
On the day
Marshals on course
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
Timing tags must always be returned. If you do not take part, send the tag back in the envelope enclosed with your bib or hand it in at the event headquarters. A 3,000 yen charge applies if the tag is not returned.
Bring your bib, your timing tag and a copy of your My Number Card or qualification confirmation document (front and back), which is needed if you are taken to hospital. In fine weather, sunscreen, sunglasses and heatstroke measures are also recommended.
The course follows the paved cycling road on the Chikugo River riverbed, with very little elevation change and few curves, which makes fast times possible. The course is narrow in places, so runners must keep to the left and take care when overtaking or passing. Conditions change a lot with the weather, and the organiser posts course updates on Facebook before the event.
Volunteers, including roving first-aid runners, are welcomed. Details and sign-up information are on the event's official website.
Kurume, Japan
Sunday, November 1, 2026
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€46
entry fee