About this event
Nagai Marathon 2026 is one of the few certified full marathon races in Tohoku, held in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture. Using the "Nagai Mountain Port Town Marathon Course" certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and World Athletics (WA), runners dash through the city center—once prosperous thanks to the Mogami River water transport culture—and rural countryside while viewing the majestic Iide and Asahi mountain ranges. It is an internationally vibrant event featuring participating delegations from the United Republic of Tanzania, with whom the city has maintained exchanges since the Tokyo Olympics. In addition to the Full Marathon (42.195 km), there are Half Marathon (21.0975 km), Enjoy Run without timekeeping or awards (2 km), and Family Run (1 km) categories, allowing a wide range of participants to take part. The course is certified by World Athletics (WA), offering an authentic race experience. Participants receive a commemorative event T-shirt, and finishers (full and half only) receive a finisher's towel. Warm local hospitality, such as servings of Yamagata Imoni (taro and beef stew), is also one of the event's attractions.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Nagai City
Nagai, Yamagata
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