40th Goto Islands Sunset Marathon 2026

About this event

With the catchphrase "Run with your back to the last sunset in Japan," this is one of Japan's few midsummer marathon events. Marking its 40th anniversary this year, the race is set on Fukue Island in summer, where many participants run against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Two categories are available—a 5 km division and a half-marathon division—allowing a wide range of people to participate. After crossing the finish line, a tasting event featuring Goto beef and Goto pork is held to delight participants. As the top summer event, the entire community comes together to energize the race, making it enjoyable for returning locals and tourists alike. As a countermeasure against heatstroke, a checkpoint is set around the 14 km mark of the half-marathon course, and runners who fail to pass within the time limit are transferred to a sweeper bus. The event may also be canceled depending on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT heat index).

Venue

Goto Port Park

2-2 Higashihama-machi, Goto, Nagasaki 853-0015