DateNovember 23, 2026

LocationOkayama City

Distances42km · 21km · 10km

Entry from¥6,000

Okayama Castle.
Autumn rivers.
42km of Japan's sunniest city.

Flat enough for a PB. Beautiful enough to forget you're racing.

Why This Race

Okayama in Autumn.
Japan's Sunniest City at Its Best.

Okayama calls itself the City of Sunshine — and in late November, you'll understand why. The Asahi River course is flat enough to chase a PB and scenic enough to forget you're trying. Peach and Muscat grape aid stations. A finisher medal shaped like Momotaro's peach. This is the race that reminds you why you started running.

Flat PB CourseAsahi River RoutePeach & Muscat AidMomotaro Finisher MedalSunny November WeatherCity Center AccessBeginner Friendly

Course Details

Three Distances. One Perfect Autumn Day.

42km

Full Marathon

The full Asahi River out-and-back. Flat, shaded, and fast. Okayama's city center gives way to quiet riverside paths. Aid stations every 5km with local peach and Muscat grape. Course record: 2:41.

Time limit6h 00m

Elevation gain80m

Aid stationsEvery 5km

Eligibility18 years and older

Entry fee¥10,000

21km

Half Marathon

The classic Asahi River loop through the heart of the city. Past Korakuen Garden and back. Manageable for first-timers, satisfying for veterans.

Time limit3h 30m

Elevation gain40m

Aid stations5km / 10km / 16km

Eligibility16 years and older

Entry fee¥8,000

10km

10km Course

Korakuen to Okayama Castle and back. Arguably the most beautiful 10km in western Japan.

Time limit1h 30m

ElevationFlat

Aid stations4km

Eligibility14 years and older

Entry fee¥6,000

What's Included

Everything You Need to Show Up and Run.

Chip Timing

Accurate electronic time tracking. Official results posted online within 2 hours of finishing.

Momotaro Finisher Medal

Every finisher receives a custom peach-shaped medal. Okayama's most famous folk hero, yours to keep.

Age Group Awards

Top 3 overall (men and women). 1st in each age group: 14–17, 18–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65+.

Local Aid Stations

Okayama peach, Muscat grape, and sports drink at every station. Locals volunteer the entire route.

05 — Option

Official Race T-Shirt

Dry-fit. Sizes XS–XL. Designed in collaboration with a local Okayama textile brand.

+ ¥2,500 · Add during registration

06 — Option

Onsen Recovery Pass

Discounted entry to a partnered Okayama city bathhouse. Valid race day and the day after.

+ ¥1,000 · Add during registration

Race Day

Schedule — November 23, 2026

06:30Venue opens

07:00Check-in opens

08:30Full Marathon start

09:00Half Marathon start

09:3010km start

13:00Award ceremony

14:30Closing ceremony

Getting There

Access and Where to Stay

Start and Finish

Okayama Prefectural Sports Center
Tsushima, Kita-ku
Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Open in Google Maps

From Osaka

Shinkansen to Okayama Station (approx. 45 min), then taxi or bus 15 min.

Total: approx. 1 hour

More access info will be emailed after registration

From Hiroshima

Shinkansen to Okayama Station (approx. 30 min), then taxi 15 min.

Total: approx. 45 minutes

More access info will be emailed after registration

Where to Stay

Okayama Station area has abundant hotels at all price points. Book 2–3 months in advance for race weekend.

Hotel recommendations will be emailed after registration

Registration

Ready to Run Okayama?

Enter in minutes. Everything is in English. No Japanese required.

SmileBibs Marathon

November 23, 2026 · Okayama City

Full Marathon — 42.195kmAges 18 and older · Time limit 6h00m

¥10,000

Half Marathon — 21.0975kmAges 16 and older · Time limit 3h30m

¥8,000

10kmAges 14 and older · Time limit 1h30m

¥6,000

Official Race T-ShirtOptional · Dry-fit · Sizes XS–XL

+ ¥2,500

Onsen Recovery PassOptional · Valid race day and day after

+ ¥1,000

All in EnglishInternational cards acceptedSecured by StripeInstant confirmation emailCalendar invite included

No Japanese required · No refunds after payment
Questions? Email contact@goracejapan.com

FAQ for Overseas Runners

Questions, Answered.

No Japanese needed at any point. The entry form, confirmation emails, race-day briefing, and all signage are in English. Our volunteer team includes English speakers at the start line.

Pick up your bib at check-in on race morning from 07:00. Bring your confirmation email (printed or on your phone). No advance pickup required.

Entry fees are non-refundable after payment. If the event is cancelled due to weather or force majeure, a partial credit will be offered for future races.

Headphones are permitted on the 10km course only. Running strollers are not permitted on any course for safety reasons.

Yes. Free baggage storage is available at the venue from venue open until 1 hour after your distance's finish cutoff.

Okayama Castle.Autumn rivers.42km of Japan's sunniest city.

Okayama in Autumn.Japan's Sunniest City at Its Best.