Kyoto Marathon

Domestic runners enter via lottery. Overseas runners get a first-come, first-served entry window after the lottery process. The entry window typically opens in mid-July and closes in late September. The entry fee for overseas participants is JPY 35,000.

The race is capped at 4,000 participants total. That's a relatively small field for a city marathon, so securing your entry early is important.

Yes, the Kyoto Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. Just make sure your finish time meets the Boston Athletic Association's current qualifying standard for your age and gender.

The course time limit is 6 hours from the official start.

The course gains around 1,750 feet of elevation on a point-to-point route with no equivalent net descent. It's a rolling, cumulative effort rather than a flat or net-downhill course, so plan your pacing accordingly.

Race day in late February usually sees a cold start in the low-to-mid 30s Fahrenheit, warming into the low 50s by midday. Wind can be a factor on exposed riverside sections. Dress in layers you're comfortable discarding early in the race.

The race starts at Nishikyogoku Athletic Park. Kyoto has an extensive train network that makes getting to the start straightforward from most central accommodations. The nearest major airport is Kansai International, roughly 90 minutes from Kyoto by train.