Tottori Marathon 2028

Tottori City, Japan

Expected March 2028

Our best guess from a single past year. We'll firm it up when the organiser confirms.

Distance

42.2km

Start Time

09:00

Cutoff

6 hours, with checkpoints (kansetsu) on course

Terrain

Road

From last year's edition. Details may change once confirmed.

Overview

The course leaves the Tottori Sand Dunes and runs one way through Tottori Castle ruins, the Jinnokaku cultural property and Manyo-no-Sato before finishing on the track at Yamata Sports Park. It is a road marathon with a six-hour limit, generous cut-offs and a high finish rate that suits first-time marathoners as well as experienced runners.

Start at the Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori Castle ruins and Jinnokaku
Manyo-no-Sato historic sites
Beautiful rural farmland scenery
Stadium finish at Yamata Sports Park

The practical side

Qualification

Open to men and women aged 18 or over on race day, both JAAF-registered and unregistered. Runners must be able to keep to the checkpoint cut-off times, be in good health, follow the event rules, and minors require parental consent.

Terrain

Road course passing through historic sites, city streets and open rural farmland between the coast and inland Tottori.

Route

Starts near the Tottori Sand Dunes Oasis Plaza and runs a one-way route past Tottori Castle ruins, the nationally designated Important Cultural Property Jinnokaku, and Manyo-no-Sato, before finishing on the track at Yamata Sports Park (Fuse Comprehensive Sports Park) Athletics Stadium.

Getting There

Getting to Tottori City: by air, Tokyo–Tottori 5 round trips daily, approx. 1 h 10 min (Tottori Airport to JR Tottori Station approx. 20 min by bus or taxi); by JR, Kyoto–Osaka–Tottori on the Super Hakuto limited express approx. 3 h 05 min, Okayama–Tottori on the Super Inaba limited express approx. 1 h 50 min; by car, approx. 1 h from Sayo IC and approx. 1 h 30 min from Tsuyama IC on the Chugoku Expressway; highway buses connect Kobe/Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji and Hiroshima with Tottori.

Good to know

On the day

ParkingYes, parking is available at Fuse Sports Park (finish area): Parking Lot 1 has 420 spaces and is available from the day before the race (park from the athletics stadium/east side). Parking Lot 2 has 200 spaces and opens at 5:00 on race day. Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital also has 400 spaces available from 5:00 on race day. Parking cannot be reserved, so arrive early. Note that the start area has no parking; use the shuttle.

ShuttleRunner-only shuttle buses on race day, 6:00–7:30 (last) to the start (Tottori Sand Dunes Oasis Plaza): from Yamata Sports Park Athletics Stadium (approx. 25 min), JR Tottori Station (approx. 25 min) and Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital parking (runners only, approx. 20 min). After the finish, 11:00–16:30 (last): athletics stadium to JR Tottori Station (approx. 15 min) and to Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital (runners only, approx. 20 min). A free shuttle bus between Yamata Sports Park Athletics Stadium and JR Tottori Station (south exit) / Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital runs about every 20 minutes from 11:00 to 16:30 and is open to supporters as well as participants.

Public transportThe Tottori Marathon is a road course that starts at the Tottori Sand Dunes and finishes at Yamata Sports Park, passing cultural sites like Tottori Castle ruins and Jinnokaku. It's relatively flat with some gentle inclines. With a six-hour limit and generous cut-offs, it's suitable for first-timers. Train with a marathon-specific plan that includes long runs, tempo runs, and easy runs. Practice your nutrition and hydration strategy. Since the course is point-to-point, consider training on similar terrain and practicing running on tired legs. The high finish rate suggests a supportive environment, so pace yourself comfortably.

Bag dropMany marathons offer a bag drop at the start, with bags transported to the finish. For the Tottori Marathon, check the official race guide for specific bag drop locations, opening times, and rules. Typically, you attach a baggage tag from your bib to your bag and drop it at the start. Use a bag you don't mind being transported. Since the start and finish are different, this service is useful. If not offered, you may need to carry a small pack or arrange with a supporter.

First aid on courseThe Tottori Marathon provides medical stations along the course and at the finish area. If you feel unwell, seek help from medical staff or volunteers. Emergency procedures will be explained in the race guide. Carry any personal medications you may need. The six-hour limit and generous cut-offs mean you can pace yourself, but listen to your body. The high finish rate suggests a supportive environment, but always prioritize your health.

Aid stationsAid stations serve Tottori specialties: pears, rakkyo and Hoshikabai rice balls. · Music support is provided for runners near the finish.

Before you enter

TransfersTransfer and deferral policies vary by race. For the Tottori Marathon 2027, check the official race website or contact the organizer directly for their specific rules. In many marathons, entries are non-transferable and deferrals are not offered, but some races allow them with a fee and a deadline. Do not run with someone else's bib, as it can lead to disqualification and safety issues.

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Tottori Marathon 2028

Overview

The practical side

Good to know

What happens at the finish line and how do I get back to Tottori Station?

What is the best way to get to Tottori City from Tokyo or Osaka?

Where should I stay for the Tottori Marathon?

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