A Regular in the "Top 100 Races"! Entry Now Open for the "Iwate Morioka City Marathon" - A Full Taste of Morioka's History, Nature, and Gourmet Delights A Regular in the "Top 100 Races"! Entry Now Open for the "Iwate Morioka City Marathon" - A Full Taste of Morioka's History, Nature, and Gourmet Delights A Regular in the "Top 100 Races"! Entry Now Open for the "Iwate Morioka City Marathon" - A Full Taste of Morioka's History, Nature, and Gourmet Delights

Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025

The popular Tohoku race, the “Iwate Morioka City Marathon,” is a regular in the prestigious “Top 100 Races” in Japan.

The theme for the 2025 event is: “Run! Taste! Dash through the charms of Morioka!”
The full marathon course is rich in variety—you’ll run through streets that still retain the atmosphere of a 200,000-koku feudal castle town from the Morioka Domain, pass buildings that reflect the modernization of Japan since the Meiji era, and enjoy picturesque views of Mt. Iwate (also known as the "Southern Fuji") and autumn-tinted rural landscapes. It’s a perfect race for those who love “travel running.”
True to the event's theme, “Taste!” the aid stations will be better than ever, packed with local Morioka flavors!
This year introduces a brand-new "Pair Run" division, making it easier for families and children to participate.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or looking for a racecation, Morioka is waiting for you this fall!

Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025

The popular Tohoku race, the “Iwate Morioka City Marathon,” is a regular in the prestigious “Top 100 Races” in Japan.

The theme for the 2025 event is: “Run! Taste! Dash through the charms of Morioka!”
The full marathon course is rich in variety—you’ll run through streets that still retain the atmosphere of a 200,000-koku feudal castle town from the Morioka Domain, pass buildings that reflect the modernization of Japan since the Meiji era, and enjoy picturesque views of Mt. Iwate (also known as the "Southern Fuji") and autumn-tinted rural landscapes. It’s a perfect race for those who love “travel running.”
True to the event's theme, “Taste!” the aid stations will be better than ever, packed with local Morioka flavors!
This year introduces a brand-new "Pair Run" division, making it easier for families and children to participate.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or looking for a racecation, Morioka is waiting for you this fall!

Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025

The popular Tohoku race, the “Iwate Morioka City Marathon,” is a regular in the prestigious “Top 100 Races” in Japan.

The theme for the 2025 event is: “Run! Taste! Dash through the charms of Morioka!”
The full marathon course is rich in variety—you’ll run through streets that still retain the atmosphere of a 200,000-koku feudal castle town from the Morioka Domain, pass buildings that reflect the modernization of Japan since the Meiji era, and enjoy picturesque views of Mt. Iwate (also known as the "Southern Fuji") and autumn-tinted rural landscapes. It’s a perfect race for those who love “travel running.”
True to the event's theme, “Taste!” the aid stations will be better than ever, packed with local Morioka flavors!
This year introduces a brand-new "Pair Run" division, making it easier for families and children to participate.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or looking for a racecation, Morioka is waiting for you this fall!

Event Features 活动特色 活動特色。

Race Highlights

Experience the Beautiful “Autumn of Morioka”!

Held during peak autumn season when leaves begin to turn and salmon swim upstream in the Nakatsu River that flows through the city center. Morioka was even named one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023” by The New York Times. Come and experience the magical fall season in this globally praised destination!



 

A Fast Course with Minimal Elevation Gain!

Revamped since the last edition, the new course now has about half the elevation gain of the previous one, making it ideal for those aiming for a new personal best. The route includes historic spots like Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the Red Brick Building, and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, then stretches into scenic countryside wrapped in fall foliage.

Both the full marathon and pair run start and finish at the same venue - Kitagin Ballpark Baseball Stadium - ensuring smooth logistics before and after the race.



 

Local Gourmet Delights, Including Wanko Soba!

At the aid stations, runners can enjoy local sweets like apple pie, and warm treats like Morioka’s famous wanko soba. At the last event, soba noodles were served at the finish line and were a big hit! What goodies will be offered this time? Stay tuned!



 

Cheering Crowds Give You Strength!

Expect enthusiastic cheers from locals of all ages along the course.

Taiko drums and brass bands perform the traditional Sansa Odori, while student cheering squads and cheerleaders keep the energy high. Even from their doorsteps, residents shout out words of encouragement, pushing runners forward with heartfelt support.




Finisher Medal Made from Authentic Nambu Ironware!

Finishers receive a towel and a hefty, luxurious medal made from Iwate’s traditional Nambu ironware. A one-of-a-kind keepsake that you’ll treasure long after race day!



Note: Medal and towel designs shown are from the 2024 event.   


Attractiveness of the host city

“The second best city in the world to visit” 
On January 12, 2023, The New York Times published “52 Places to Go in 2023,” in which Morioka was introduced as the second place to go, after London, the capital of Great Britain. 
 
“City of Gems” 
Morioka city, with total population in 280,286 (as of 2024), is a gem of a spot that can be explore on foot and can be reached by just 2 hours’ ride of Shinkan-sen, or new bullet train ride from Tokyo.

“Attractions of the City”
Townscape with a blend of historic Japanese and Western architecture,” ‘nature such as the river running through the central city and the castle ruins park,’ and “a town where bookstores, coffee shops, and coffee shop culture have taken root.


Pre- or Post-race Excursion

Morioka City Sightseeing Spots
Refer to the link below for the further in detail （official website of Morioka City）
I'll enjoy Morioka's town walk by a digital map! (Morioka nostalgic trip town walk map)

cultural spots


Morioka ruin of a castle park

 
Bank of Iwate red brick house

 
Mitsuishi shrine

 
Konyamachi ban-ya

 

gourmet spots

 A soba restaurant Azuma-ya, serves “Wanko-Soba Noodle”, or buckwheat noodle, served into the bowl by the waitperson. 

 


Sightseeing Spots nearby Morioka City

Northern Part

 Goshono Iseki Ruins

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

 

Coastal Areas

 Miyako City

  


 Ryusendo, Limestone Cave

  

 

Southern Part

 Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi Town

  
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage


Race Highlights

Experience the Beautiful “Autumn of Morioka”!

Held during peak autumn season when leaves begin to turn and salmon swim upstream in the Nakatsu River that flows through the city center. Morioka was even named one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023” by The New York Times. Come and experience the magical fall season in this globally praised destination!



 

A Fast Course with Minimal Elevation Gain!

Revamped since the last edition, the new course now has about half the elevation gain of the previous one, making it ideal for those aiming for a new personal best. The route includes historic spots like Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the Red Brick Building, and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, then stretches into scenic countryside wrapped in fall foliage.

Both the full marathon and pair run start and finish at the same venue - Kitagin Ballpark Baseball Stadium - ensuring smooth logistics before and after the race.



 

Local Gourmet Delights, Including Wanko Soba!

At the aid stations, runners can enjoy local sweets like apple pie, and warm treats like Morioka’s famous wanko soba. At the last event, soba noodles were served at the finish line and were a big hit! What goodies will be offered this time? Stay tuned!



 

Cheering Crowds Give You Strength!

Expect enthusiastic cheers from locals of all ages along the course.

Taiko drums and brass bands perform the traditional Sansa Odori, while student cheering squads and cheerleaders keep the energy high. Even from their doorsteps, residents shout out words of encouragement, pushing runners forward with heartfelt support.




Finisher Medal Made from Authentic Nambu Ironware!

Finishers receive a towel and a hefty, luxurious medal made from Iwate’s traditional Nambu ironware. A one-of-a-kind keepsake that you’ll treasure long after race day!



Note: Medal and towel designs shown are from the 2024 event.   


Attractiveness of the host city

“The second best city in the world to visit” 
On January 12, 2023, The New York Times published “52 Places to Go in 2023,” in which Morioka was introduced as the second place to go, after London, the capital of Great Britain. 
 
“City of Gems” 
Morioka city, with total population in 280,286 (as of 2024), is a gem of a spot that can be explore on foot and can be reached by just 2 hours’ ride of Shinkan-sen, or new bullet train ride from Tokyo.

“Attractions of the City”
Townscape with a blend of historic Japanese and Western architecture,” ‘nature such as the river running through the central city and the castle ruins park,’ and “a town where bookstores, coffee shops, and coffee shop culture have taken root.


Pre- or Post-race Excursion

Morioka City Sightseeing Spots
Refer to the link below for the further in detail （official website of Morioka City）
I'll enjoy Morioka's town walk by a digital map! (Morioka nostalgic trip town walk map)

cultural spots


Morioka ruin of a castle park

 
Bank of Iwate red brick house

 
Mitsuishi shrine

 
Konyamachi ban-ya

 

gourmet spots

 A soba restaurant Azuma-ya, serves “Wanko-Soba Noodle”, or buckwheat noodle, served into the bowl by the waitperson. 

 


Sightseeing Spots nearby Morioka City

Northern Part

 Goshono Iseki Ruins

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

 

Coastal Areas

 Miyako City

  


 Ryusendo, Limestone Cave

  

 

Southern Part

 Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi Town

  
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage


Race Highlights

Experience the Beautiful “Autumn of Morioka”!

Held during peak autumn season when leaves begin to turn and salmon swim upstream in the Nakatsu River that flows through the city center. Morioka was even named one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023” by The New York Times. Come and experience the magical fall season in this globally praised destination!



 

A Fast Course with Minimal Elevation Gain!

Revamped since the last edition, the new course now has about half the elevation gain of the previous one, making it ideal for those aiming for a new personal best. The route includes historic spots like Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the Red Brick Building, and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, then stretches into scenic countryside wrapped in fall foliage.

Both the full marathon and pair run start and finish at the same venue - Kitagin Ballpark Baseball Stadium - ensuring smooth logistics before and after the race.



 

Local Gourmet Delights, Including Wanko Soba!

At the aid stations, runners can enjoy local sweets like apple pie, and warm treats like Morioka’s famous wanko soba. At the last event, soba noodles were served at the finish line and were a big hit! What goodies will be offered this time? Stay tuned!



 

Cheering Crowds Give You Strength!

Expect enthusiastic cheers from locals of all ages along the course.

Taiko drums and brass bands perform the traditional Sansa Odori, while student cheering squads and cheerleaders keep the energy high. Even from their doorsteps, residents shout out words of encouragement, pushing runners forward with heartfelt support.




Finisher Medal Made from Authentic Nambu Ironware!

Finishers receive a towel and a hefty, luxurious medal made from Iwate’s traditional Nambu ironware. A one-of-a-kind keepsake that you’ll treasure long after race day!



Note: Medal and towel designs shown are from the 2024 event.   


Attractiveness of the host city

“The second best city in the world to visit” 
On January 12, 2023, The New York Times published “52 Places to Go in 2023,” in which Morioka was introduced as the second place to go, after London, the capital of Great Britain. 
 
“City of Gems” 
Morioka city, with total population in 280,286 (as of 2024), is a gem of a spot that can be explore on foot and can be reached by just 2 hours’ ride of Shinkan-sen, or new bullet train ride from Tokyo.

“Attractions of the City”
Townscape with a blend of historic Japanese and Western architecture,” ‘nature such as the river running through the central city and the castle ruins park,’ and “a town where bookstores, coffee shops, and coffee shop culture have taken root.


Pre- or Post-race Excursion

Morioka City Sightseeing Spots
Refer to the link below for the further in detail （official website of Morioka City）
I'll enjoy Morioka's town walk by a digital map! (Morioka nostalgic trip town walk map)

cultural spots


Morioka ruin of a castle park

 
Bank of Iwate red brick house

 
Mitsuishi shrine

 
Konyamachi ban-ya

 

gourmet spots

 A soba restaurant Azuma-ya, serves “Wanko-Soba Noodle”, or buckwheat noodle, served into the bowl by the waitperson. 

 


Sightseeing Spots nearby Morioka City

Northern Part

 Goshono Iseki Ruins

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

 

Coastal Areas

 Miyako City

  


 Ryusendo, Limestone Cave

  

 

Southern Part

 Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi Town

  
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage


Event Summary 活动概述。 活動概述。

Race Name 种族名称 比賽名稱 Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025 Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025 Iwate Morioka City Marathon 2025
Location 地点 地點 Morioka City (Iwate) , Japan Morioka City (Iwate) , Japan Morioka City (Iwate) , Japan
Race Categories 比赛类别 比賽類別 Full Marathon (42.195 km) (certified) Fun Run (12.1 km) Pair Run (1.3 km ※Tentative) Full Marathon (42.195 km) (certified) Fun Run (12.1 km) Pair Run (1.3 km ※Tentative) Full Marathon (42.195 km) (certified) Fun Run (12.1 km) Pair Run (1.3 km ※Tentative)
Time Limit 时间限制 時間限制 Full Marathon : Total of 6 hours ※Including checkpoints Fun Run : Total of 1 hour and 45 minutes ※Including checkpoints Pair Run : Total of 15 minutes ※No checkpoints Full Marathon : Total of 6 hours ※Including checkpoints Fun Run : Total of 1 hour and 45 minutes ※Including checkpoints Pair Run : Total of 15 minutes ※No checkpoints Full Marathon : Total of 6 hours ※Including checkpoints Fun Run : Total of 1 hour and 45 minutes ※Including checkpoints Pair Run : Total of 15 minutes ※No checkpoints
Number of participants 参与人数 參與人數 Full Marathon: 6,000 people ／ Fun Run: 2,000 people ／ Pair Run: 300 pairs・600 people (Tentative) ※First come, first served basis Full Marathon: 6,000 people ／ Fun Run: 2,000 people ／ Pair Run: 300 pairs・600 people (Tentative) ※First come, first served basis Full Marathon: 6,000 people ／ Fun Run: 2,000 people ／ Pair Run: 300 pairs・600 people (Tentative) ※First come, first served basis
Entry Period 报名时间 報名期間 March 19 2025 00:00 - July 31 2025 23:59 March 19 2025 00:00 - July 31 2025 23:59 March 19 2025 00:00 - July 31 2025 23:59
Web Site 网站 網站 https://iwate-morioka-city-marathon.jp/ https://iwate-morioka-city-marathon.jp/ https://iwate-morioka-city-marathon.jp/

Entry 入场 入場