The Early Years
2013Established in 2013, the Kyoto Marathon is now 13 years old. From its first edition in Kyoto, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in Japan.
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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.
The Race
Kyoto
Race Lore
A Course Built for Speed
2019The course record of 02:07:24, set by Amos Kiprotich in 2019, speaks to what the Kyoto Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
Running Through a Postcard
The Kyoto Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Kyoto and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in Asia.
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Course Record
02:07:24
Amos Kiprotich (2019)
Registration
Registration Opens August
Registration Closes December
Entry Cost ¥10,000-¥12,000
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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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