Fukuoka International Marathon

Tradition and speed collide in winter in Fukuoka

The Fukuoka International Marathon is Japan’s leading men’s marathon, held since 1947.
The historic course, where two world records have been set, continues to inspire the spirit of challenge among elite runners even today.
The event brings together the entire city of Fukuoka to enthusiastically support the runners. This year, the world’s top runners will gather again to compete in a heated battle.

A historic course where two world records have been set

The Fukuoka International Marathon course starts at Heiwadai Stadium and goes around Fukuoka City in a clockwise direction, covering a total distance of 42.195 km. The course has several ups and downs, including Kotabe Bridge, Beppu Bridge, and Najima Bridge, and the slope at Najima Bridge is particularly known as a difficult section in the middle of the course. Fukuoka’s famous sites, such as the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and Hakata Station, are dotted along the route, and the enthusiastic cheers of the local citizens encourage the runners. The finish will be at Heiwadai Stadium again.

Course Overview

・Starting Point：The stage for the Fukuoka International Marathon is Heiwadai Stadium in the center of Fukuoka City. From this historic place where many dramas have taken place, the runners take a powerful step. The invited runners run three and a half laps around the track, then head out into the city of Fukuoka.

・10km Point：Leaving Heiwadai Stadium behind, head west along Meiji Dori. Head south on Shimoyamado Street, then turn east onto National Route 202.

・15km：The first difficult part is the ups and downs of Kotabe Bridge.

・17km：You will see Fukuoka Prefectural Gokoku Shrine and Heiwadai Athletics Stadium on your left.

・20km：Turn left onto Sanso Street and turn back at the halfway point at Nishitetsu Hirao Station.

・25km：The course is gently uphill until Hakata Station. After Hakata Station, the course becomes gently downhill, heading towards Hakata Bay.

・32km：Go over the ups and downs of Najima Bridge and turn back at Kashii. This is the difficult part in the middle.

・Finish Point：You will pass through the downtown area and head towards the finish line with the support of the people along the road. Runners will be faced with the ups and downs of the Nanotsu Bridge and a steep final climb.

Course elevation and climate

・Elevation difference：There are several ups and downs on the course, including the Kotabe Bridge, Beppu Bridge, and Najima Bridge. The ups and downs of Najima Bridge are particularly known as a difficult section in the middle of the race.

・Temperature：Because the race is held in December, the temperature is low, but cold weather measures are essential.

Participation criteria

In addition to recommended and invited runners, runners who can run within 2 hours 27 minutes in Block A and 2 hours 35 minutes in Block B are eligible to participate. The maximum number of participants is 500, and runners with the highest records can participate.

Summary

The Fukuoka International Marathon is a race where runners challenge themselves on a course rich in history and tradition. It is a lively race where the entire city of Fukuoka comes together to support the runners.

2024 Fukuoka International Marathon Summary

・DATE：December 1, 2024
・FINISHERS：333
・Average Time： –

MEN

1:YOSHIDA Yuya:2:05:16
2:NISHIYAMA Yusuke:2:06:54
3:WAMBUI Patrick Mathenge:2:08:28
4:SONOTA Kenya:2:08:52
5:FUTAOKA Kohei:2:09:46
6:RAIMOI Vincent:2:09:51
7:KAROKI Bidan:2:10:18
8:YOSHIOKA Ryuichi:2:10:50
9:NISHIYAMA Kazuya:2:11:33
10:TANAKA Asuka:2:12:13

Fukuoka: A crossroads of history and modernity, gourmet food and culture

Fukuoka City is the largest city in the Kyushu region, and is a city where history, culture, and modern charm blend together. In the past, the two towns of Hakata and Fukuoka developed, each with its own merchant and samurai culture. Even today, the Hakata area still has many traditional festivals, food stalls, and historical buildings. Meanwhile, the Fukuoka area is home to modern buildings, shopping centers, and a lively downtown area.

Fukuoka City is also famous as a gourmet city. There are many delicious dishes made with local ingredients, such as fresh seafood dishes, ramen, and motsunabe. The food stall culture is also thriving, and at night, food stalls line the streets, bustling with locals and tourists. Many ramen shops and food stalls have English menus, so there is no need to worry about language.

Fukuoka City is well-connected and easily accessible from both domestic and international sources. From Fukuoka Airport, you can easily get to the city center by subway or bus. Also, from Hakata Port, there is good access to Asian countries such as Korea and China by ferry. The city is rich in nature, with many parks and green spaces. Fukuoka City is a fascinating place, both as a tourist destination and as a place to live, with a fusion of history, culture, and modern charm.