NORTH ONTAKE MARATHON 2026

About this event

The North Ontake Marathon 2026, an ultra and full marathon boasting one of Japan's greatest elevation changes, will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Hida Osaka, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. The event features two courses: Ultra 111km and Full 42.195km. It is an authentic mountain marathon where runners race through nature on a stage over 1,000 meters in altitude. For this edition, event operations have been updated to support runners reaching the finish line, including adding water stations on the Ultra course, expanding aid supplies, and optimizing time limits. A newly introduced 'Limited Early-Bird Discount (same price as last year)' category encourages early registration. Designated rest stops will provide supply provisions and meals utilizing local specialties, and after finishing, runners in both courses can bathe in local hot springs. The course features a maximum elevation difference of about 1,300m, with a cumulative elevation gain of about 2,900m for ULTRA and about 1,600m for FULL, making it arguably one of Japan's most demanding courses. Over half of the course lies in extreme highlands exceeding an altitude of 1,000m, and temperature fluctuations are expected. Eligibility requires healthy individuals with the running capability to finish within the time limits for each category. Completion of an ultramarathon of 100km or longer is required for the ULTRA course, and bringing a bath set is mandatory for the FULL course. After finishing, participants can soothe themselves in local hot springs.

Venue

Kiko-chan Stadium

1127 Osakacho Nagase, Gero, Gifu 509-3115