Course & Elevation

The Kyoto Marathon course loops through Japan's ancient cultural capital, featuring iconic landmarks including the Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Philosopher's Walk. Runners experience a mix of urban streets, riverside paths along the Kamogawa and Katsura rivers, and traditional temple districts. The relatively moderate elevation changes and scenic cultural immersion make this a unique Japanese marathon experience.

Surface: road Profile: Rolling

🌤️ Weather

Temperature 8°C

Humidity 65%

Rain Chance 40%

Cool and crisp early spring weather typical of Kyoto's February climate. Runners should expect mild conditions with occasional rain, making proper layering and weather-resistant gear advisable.

🏆 Course Record

02:07:24

Amos Kiprotich (2019)

Registration

Registration Opens August

Registration Closes December

Entry Cost ¥10,000-¥12,000

Official Website →

🎯 Fun Facts

▸ The Kyoto Marathon passes through or near over 15 UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, making it one of the most culturally rich marathon courses in Asia.
▸ Runners cross the historic Philosopher's Walk, a 2km canal-side path in the Higashiyama district that inspired centuries of Japanese poets and philosophers.
▸ The race welcomes international runners and features multilingual support stations and English-speaking volunteers throughout the course.
▸ February is the coldest month in Kyoto, and the race often features spectacular views of winter plum blossoms (ume) at various temple grounds along the route.

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