Kumamoto Castle Marathon 2027 (Kumamoto Support Charity Runner Special Slot / Full Marathon, Fun Run)

Kumamoto, Japan

Sunday, February 21, 2027

Choose your distance

Marathon· €75

Distance

42.2km

Start Time

09:02

Cutoff

7 hours

Terrain

Road

Difficulty

Beginner

Max Runners

500

Overview

A certified 42.195km city course that starts in front of Kumamoto Castle and finishes at Kumamoto Castle Park's Ninomaru Hiroba after a final climb. Runners must be able to finish within 6 hours 40 minutes, with a 7-hour overall time limit and checkpoint cut-offs.

Start in sight of Kumamoto Castle
Continuous roadside cheering
Plentiful aid stations
Finish climb up to Kumamoto Castle Park (Ninomaru Hiroba)

The practical side

Qualification

This is the Kumamoto Support Charity Runner special slot: applicants must agree to donate at least 60 units (30,000 yen) to the Kumamoto support charity fund. Full marathon and 30km entrants must be born on or before 1 April 2008 (high school students not eligible); 30km entrants must be JAAF-registered athletes. Fun run entrants must be middle school age or older.

Terrain

Paved city roads through Kumamoto, with a final uphill approach to Kumamoto Castle.

Route

The course finishes in Ninomaru Plaza inside the specially designated historic site of Kumamoto Castle, together with the Castle Town Fun Run.

Good to know

On the day

ParkingBuild a solid marathon base with long runs on paved roads, and include hill repeats or rolling routes to prepare for the uphill finish to Ninomaru Hiroba. Practice fueling and hydration with the types of items likely available at aid stations, but carry your own if you have specific needs. Since the race is in February, train in cold and possibly wet conditions to simulate race day. For the 30km, follow a similar but slightly shorter plan. For the 3.5km fun run, focus on comfortable walking or jogging and enjoy the event atmosphere.

First aid on courseThe course has well-stocked aid stations and is expected to have medical support and volunteers along the route. If you feel unwell, stop running and alert the nearest volunteer, medical staff, or aid station immediately. Emergency contact details are usually printed on your race bib. The final climb to Kumamoto Castle Park can be physically demanding, so pace yourself. In an emergency, follow staff instructions and call the emergency number provided by the organizer.

Course markingThe course is run on paved roads through the streets of Kumamoto and is marked with cones, signs, and volunteer directions. Expect large crowds of supporters, which can make the atmosphere exciting but also noisy and congested. The main challenge is the final climb up to Kumamoto Castle Park's Ninomaru Hiroba. Pace conservatively, stay hydrated at the well-stocked aid stations, and follow all course marshals. The 30km and 3.5km fun run share the same race day, so be aware of other runners.

Before you enter

RefundsIf the event is cancelled for reasons not attributable to the organiser, the participation fee will be handled according to a review that takes into account the costs incurred up to the point the cancellation was decided, including whether a refund will be made. Charity donations are never refunded. After the entry period closes, no change of race category is possible and no cancellation after payment is accepted. Fees for refunding overpayments or duplicate payments are borne by the entrant.

TransfersRights transfer and running on behalf of another person are not permitted; false reporting of age, sex or records, transfer of rights and proxy running lead to disqualification with no compensation or refund from the organiser, and both parties will be barred from entering the event in future. Duplicate entries by the same person (one person, one race) result in rejection.

DeferralsTransfer and deferral policies are set by the race organizer and are usually strict for Japanese road races. Unofficial bib transfer is commonly prohibited for safety, insurance, and timing reasons, so you should not give your bib to another runner. If the organizer offers an official transfer or deferral window, it will require following their procedure and may involve a fee. Contact the race office directly for the 2027 event rules.

€75

per person · entry fee

Closed

Kumamoto, Japan

Sunday, February 21, 2027

Qualification required: This is the Kumamoto Support Charity Runner special slot: applicants must agree to donate at least 60 units (30,000 yen) to the Kumamoto support charity fund. Full marathon and 30km entrants must be born on or before 1 April 2008 (high school students not eligible); 30km entrants must be JAAF-registered athletes. Fun run entrants must be middle school age or older.

Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, Kumamoto Athletics Association / Kumamoto Castle Marathon Executive Committee

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€75

entry fee

Kumamoto Castle Marathon 2027 (Kumamoto Support Charity Runner Special Slot / Full Marathon, Fun Run)

Overview

The practical side

Good to know

I missed the registration for the Kumamoto Castle Marathon 2027. Is there a waitlist, charity entry, or transfer option?

What should I expect at check-in and the start area for the Kumamoto Castle Marathon?

What airports and stations should I use to travel to Kumamoto for the marathon?

€75

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