44th Ichinoseki International Half Marathon

Aim for the best record in the beautiful countryside during the harvest season!

Ichinoseki is located in southern Iwate Prefecture and is famous for its historical sightseeing spots and hot springs. The race season is just in time for the autumn rice harvest. The race will take runners through the beautiful golden rice fields on a flat course with two turnarounds (maximum height difference is 15 m.) While there are some ups and downs due to two overpasses, the course is favorable for setting a personal best.　In the half marathon, 12 water stations will support runners!

Exciting Prize and award opportunities

A prize of 100,000 yen will be awarded to the overall first-place winners in both the men's and women's categories! In addition to numerous opportunities for awards in the finely divided age groups (10 men's categories and 5 women's categories), we are also planning to send one outstanding male and female runner and one runner selected by lottery to the “JAL Honolulu Marathon,” grant three runners selected by lottery entry to the Tokyo Marathon, and recommend runners for the Sendai International Half Marathon. Of course, foreign participants are also eligible!

Comfortable access of about 2 hours from Tokyo

Ichinoseki is also easily accessible from Tokyo. It takes only 2 hours and 5 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki Station, the nearest station to the venue. Shuttle buses run every 5 minutes from Ichinoseki Station to the venue, making it easy to get to the venue. You can easily enjoy the autumn scenery of Tohoku region.

Runner- Centered Event Management

Your net time and split time will be measured, and a web record certificate will be issued on the day of the event. The venue also offers excellent warm-up areas, wide roads that are easy to run on, and the strategic placement of cold spray stations. Many participants have praised the thoughtful attention to detail from a runner’s perspective, earning their trust. In the RUNNET Report & Evaluation competition, it achieved a high score of 91/100 in 2024!

Enjoy the Warm hospitality!

Participants will be treated to various services, including a 500 yen voucher that can be used at the event venue or designated stores in Ichinoseki. There are also bath tickets for hot springs, free ice cream, and a “Tent Village” where runners can enjoy food, local specialties, and more specialty products!

International event that is safe even for first-time participants

English-speaking staff will be available at the venue to assist with registration, distribute race bibs, and provide interpretation services if needed. They will also address inquiries. Free luggage, valuables, car key storage, and coin lockers will be available at the venue.

Enjoy a Balanced Tour of Nature, History, and Cuisine

A must-see tourist spot is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hiraizumi Chūson-ji Temple! Nearby attractions include the beautiful Gembikei Gorge, Geibikei Gorge, the Ichinoseki hot spring district, the Kurikoma Mountain National Park, and the Boneji Village Manor Ruins, which preserve medieval rural landscapes. The local specialty is rice cake dishes. This event is perfect for combining with sightseeing!