38th Sanda International Masters Marathon Sponsored by PILLAR Corporation

About this event

The "38th Sanda International Masters Marathon Sponsored by PILLAR Corporation," held in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, on Sunday, December 20, 2026, is a major event that can be considered a winter tradition of Sanda City. Its appealing, rewarding course lets runners enjoy diverse changing scenery from tranquil rural landscapes to bustling industrial parks and beautiful new town residential districts, all while being spurred on by warm roadside cheering. Ideal as a final run of the year, the event features a half marathon (time limit: 2 hours 45 minutes) open to ages 18 and older (high school students not permitted), and a 2-kilometer fun run (time limit: 30 minutes) open to elementary school students and older. For the 38th edition, the course is currently applying to be certified as a Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) official half marathon course for the first time since the 31st edition. As guest runners, Olympic silver medalist Erick Wainaina and comedian Watari 119 (a former firefighter) will run the half marathon. In addition, a post-race comedy live show by Watari 119 is planned, further enlivening the event. The event is full of Sanda's unique hospitality, including participation prizes, aid station services, a runner return gift raffle, group entry benefits, Santa runner benefits, and SDGs perks. Exclusively for the half marathon, a running clinic will be held before the race, and race entries are also offered through hometown tax donations (Furusato Nozei).

Venue

Sanda City

Sanda, Hyogo