Osaka Yodo River Citizens Marathon & Half Marathon

Now in its 25th edition, the Osaka Yodo River Citizens Marathon (or as we call it unofficially, the Osaka Yodo River Citizens Marathon and Half Marathon) takes place almost entirely along a riverbank.

This is a great warm-up for Japan’s marathon season and is easily accessible by public transportation from downtown Osaka and Kyoto. Both distances are out-and-back with very little elevation. While most of the course is on road or sidewalk, some segments are of varied terrain, including gravel, pebbles, and dirt.

Since 1997, the people of Osaka have come together to host this event for women and men of all ages to enjoy. This year, entry is limited to approximately 7,000 in the half marathon and 6,000 in the marathon respectively – entries close once maximum capacity is reached. A late 9am (half) and 9:40am (full) start will assure runners plenty of time to fuel before the race and stake their spot at the start line.

As per usual in the past few years, Naoko Takahashi will be present on race day. A former national elite runner, Ms. Takahashi was the first woman from Japan to win a gold medal in track and field during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She was also the first woman to break a then-world record to win the 2001 Berlin Marathon.

All athletes must collect race packets on Saturday, November 4 UNLESS additional fee is paid upon registration for postage to a mailing address in Japan.

サムライスポーツは日本国籍以外を対象とした外国人向け専用受付サイトです。日本国籍の方は日本語サイトからお申込みください。日本国籍以外の方がエントリーした場合、無効となる場合があります 。無効となった場合には、返金手数料を差し引き、参加費をご返金させていただきます。