For runners, the Kumamoto Castle Marathon is one of Kyushu's most characterful races: you start from Kumamoto Castle, run through the old castle town and the streets of Kumamoto City, and finish back at Kumamoto Castle. The 2026 race set a record for economic impact, and the 2027 edition is expected to be even more popular. It starts on Sunday 21 February 2027 at 9:00, and this guide brings together entry, race-pack pickup, accommodation and fuelling tips for overseas runners.
Race facts at a glance
- Date: Sunday 21 February 2027, 9:00 start, held rain or shine
- Categories: Historic Tour Full Marathon, 13,000 runners (¥14,575) / Castle Town Fun Run, about 3.5 km, 1,500 runners (¥3,740) / Kanakuri Memorial 30 km, 150 runners (¥5,830)
- Entry: on RUNNET, 28 July – 24 September 2026 (now closed; categories with more applicants than places went to a ballot – 23,390 people applied for the full marathon's 13,000 places, results were announced on 15 October, and there is no second ballot)
- Race-pack pickup: Friday 19 February 12:00–20:00 and Saturday 20 February 10:00–20:00, in person with your passport
- Finish: Kumamoto Castle (the final climb as you run in below the castle is the race's iconic moment)
Suggested itinerary for overseas runners (3 days/2 nights to 4 days/3 nights)
- Fri 19 Feb: Arrive at Aso Kumamoto Airport → settle into your villa → race-pack pickup and expo in the city
- Sat 20 Feb: Easy morning shakeout run → scout the course below Kumamoto Castle (get to know the finish) → supermarket shop → cook a carb-loading dinner at the villa and get an early night
- Sun 21 Feb: Leave early (park on the edge of the city and take the Kumamoto City Tram in) → 9:00 start → finish → back to the villa for a recovery soak in the bath → celebration dinner
- Mon 22 Feb: Recovery day – soothe your legs at Kurokawa Onsen or Kikuchi Onsen → head home
Why do runners choose a private villa?
- 🍝 Pre-race food on your terms: cook the carb meals you're used to in a full kitchen instead of gambling on hotel restaurants
- 🛁 Post-race recovery: a soak in the bathtub and a washer-dryer for your kit – things a city business hotel can't give you
- 👨👩👧 Bring your cheer squad: the family stays together in one villa, so the celebration can start right after the race
- 💰 Dodge the race-weekend price trap: city-centre hotels double their rates on marathon weekend, while a whole villa actually works out better value per person
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kumamoto Castle Marathon 2027?
The race starts at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday 21 February 2027 and goes ahead even if it rains. Race-pack pickup is on Friday 19 February (12:00–20:00) and Saturday 20 February (10:00–20:00).
What categories are there, and how do I enter?
There are three categories: the Historic Tour Full Marathon for 13,000 runners (¥14,575 including fees), the Castle Town Fun Run of about 3.5 km for 1,500 runners, and the Kanakuri Memorial 30 km Road Race for 150 runners. Entry is on the RUNNET website (28 July – 24 September 2026), and categories with more applicants than places are decided by ballot. Entry for 2027 has closed, and there will be no second ballot.
What do overseas runners need to know?
You need a RUNNET account to enter (the site has an English interface). For pickup, you must come in person with your entry confirmation and passport. Be sure to collect your race pack during the two days before the race – there is no pickup on race day.
Where is the best place for runners to stay?
City-centre hotels are very hard to book on race weekend, and their prices double. MOVA VILLA's Koshi villas are about a 35-minute drive away, and a private villa lets runners stay with their family support crew: cook your own carb meals before the race and recover with a soak in the bath afterwards – a better fit for runners than a hotel.
What about road closures on race day?
Large parts of the city centre are closed to traffic, so you cannot drive anywhere near the start. Park on the edge of the city early in the morning and take the tram in, or have family drop you off and pick you up outside the closure zone.
Accommodation for race weekend (19–21 February) will be in high demand, so runners who won a place in the ballot, and the friends and family coming to cheer them on, should book as early as possible.
👉 See availability in Koshi (about 35 min from the city centre) | Guide to our four areas
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