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Sun, Feb 28 · 2027OsakaSince 2011

Osaka Marathon

Osaka Marathon runs point-to-point through the heart of one of Japan's most energetic cities, drawing a large field into cool February conditions that tend to favor a solid effort.

FlatOpen
OSAKA · JP
Osaka
SUN, FEB 28
2027
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Race Overview

EST. 2011

Osaka is a big-city marathon that genuinely delivers on the crowd front. The course runs point-to-point through central Osaka, and the streets here are loud and packed for most of the route. February keeps things cool, which helps a lot late in the race. The city itself is easy to navigate and locals are enthusiastic in a way that carries you through the middle miles when things get honest.

For your goals, this is a flat course with essentially no net elevation change, so it rewards runners who can hold an even pace. If you're chasing a time, the conditions are usually on your side, but don't bank too much in the first half. Entry goes through a lottery for most runners, so apply during the summer window and treat getting in as step one. International runners apply through JTB Sports Station, which is straightforward once you find it. If the lottery doesn't go your way, charity entries run on a first-come, first-served basis through late October. It's worth having a backup plan.

Field size
~32k
31,970 finishers
BQ rate
—
Boston qualifier
Time limit
7:00
Generous cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:05:20
Ibrahim Hassan
2026
Women
2:21:44
Mare Dibaba
2026

The Course

Total ascent
—
Total descent
—
Net elevation
—
Highest point
—
Lowest point
—
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

The Osaka Marathon runs point-to-point through central Osaka with essentially no net elevation change, making it one of the flatter major marathons in Asia. The course threads through urban streets, so expect road camber and regular turns rather than long unbroken straights. Pacing implications are favorable for steady-state running: there are no significant climbs to budget for and no late descents to chase. The main variable is wind exposure on wider boulevards. Footing is paved throughout. With a flat profile and a generous time limit, the course suits runners targeting negative splits or a controlled even effort from the gun.

View official course mapPast results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
37°F
High
50°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

Late February in Osaka runs cool. The gun goes off in conditions that feel cold if you're standing still, so plan on a throwaway layer for the corrals. Once you're moving you'll warm up, and by the back half the mid-day temperatures are comfortable for racing. Wind can add a chill on exposed stretches. It's not a day you'll be fighting heat, but dress for a cold start and let the effort do its work.

Entry

OPEN

General runners enter via lottery (Runnet for domestic, JTB Sports Station for international). Charity runners available on first-come, first-served basis through October 20, 2025. Both JAAF members and non-members can apply.

Register on race site

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