Run through a castle town where history and nature breathe. Kumamoto, a 42.195km journey of emotion.
The Kumamoto Castle Marathon is an urban marathon where you can experience Kumamoto’s rich history and magnificent nature. Held every February, it’s a 42.195km journey starting from Kumamoto Castle, circling through the city, and then through the rural landscape overlooking Mt. Kinbo.
The start from the magnificent Kumamoto Castle is truly breathtaking. The course transitions from a flat section in the city to challenging ups and downs towards Mt. Kinbo, but the warm cheers from the roadside and the historic townscape and beautiful nature strongly push the runners forward.
This event, held with the wish for recovery, awaits an unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment, created by the unity of runners and citizens.
Kumamoto Castle Marathon: A 42.195km story woven with history and nature
The Kumamoto Castle Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through the strength of Kumamoto’s recovery, its rich nature, and its history. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over Japan in this city watched over by Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of recovery.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins on City Hall Street in front of Kumamoto Castle, located in the center of Kumamoto City. Early in the morning, runners lining up at the starting line with the majestic Kumamoto Castle behind them are greeted by the magnificent sight of the castle keep, a symbol of recovery, and the enthusiastic atmosphere of spectators filling the roadside. The first few kilometers are generally downhill, but the excitement of running through the historic castle town will lift your spirits.
Sights along the way
The Kumamoto Castle Marathon course attracts runners with its diverse scenery and warm cheering.
・Start to 5km：Starting with Kumamoto Castle in the background, you’ll run through the main streets of Kumamoto City. The early section is relatively flat, and enthusiastic cheers from citizens along the road will push the runners forward.
・5km to 20km：Leaving the city, you’ll enter a section of rural scenery. The open views overlooking Mt. Kinbo and the tranquil scenery will soothe the runners’ minds. From around here, gentle ups and downs begin, giving a real sense of what a marathon run is like.
・20km to 35km：The most challenging part of the course continues, with uphill climbs towards Mt. Kinbo. In particular, the long slope of the Nishi-mawari Bypass will exhaust the runners’ legs. However, the downhill after the climb is exhilarating, and the beautiful scenery will make you forget your fatigue. In this section, too, the warm support of local residents strongly supports the runners.
・35km to Finish：Returning to the city, the course becomes flat again. Although fatigue will be at its peak, spectators along the road will enthusiastically cheer on runners who are pushing their limits for the final spurt. Then, you’ll head towards the finish line around Kumamoto Castle.
Finish point
Finish at “Ninomaru Hiroba,” overlooking the magnificent Kumamoto Castle! With the historic castle as a backdrop, the sense of accomplishment of completing 42.195km and the grand applause waiting for you at the finish line will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is approximately 280m in elevation gain and approximately 280m in cumulative elevation descent. The highest point is 70m and the lowest point is 2m. In particular, the uphill section towards Mt. Kinbo in the middle of the course is the main undulating feature, and the course is varied with generally gentle ups and downs throughout.
・Weather：Kumamoto in mid-February, when the race is held, often has the perfect weather for running. The average temperature is 5-10°C, and there are many sunny days, with relatively dry conditions.
Participants’ comments
・ “The presence of Kumamoto Castle was amazing! I was moved from the start.”
・ “The support from the roadside was so warm. I felt the kindness of the local people.”
・ “The climb to Mt. Kinbo was tough, but the view was superb!”
・ “It was a special race that conveyed the strong desire for recovery.”
・ “I’ll never forget the sense of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line. I want to run again next year!”
・ “The volunteers were also wonderful and very encouraging.”
・ “It’s the best race where you can run surrounded by history, nature, and warm people.”
・ “There were many delicious local foods, and I enjoyed them after the race too.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Kumamoto Castle Marathon is to stabilize your pace in the early city section and maintain a comfortable pace on the uphill section towards Mt. Kinbo in the middle of the race. In particular, tackle the long uphill on the Nishi-mawari Bypass at your own pace without rushing. It’s important to relax and recover your strength on the downhill after the climb. Once you return to the city in the final stages, use the cheers from the roadside to power your final spurt. Kumamoto in February is relatively cool and has suitable weather for running, so make sure to manage your physical condition well and perform to the best of your ability.
The Kumamoto Castle Marathon is a 42.195km journey filled with history, nature, and the desire for recovery. Surrounded by the beautiful Kumamoto Castle and the warm cheers of the citizens, why not experience the greatest emotion and sense of accomplishment of your life?
2025 Kumamoto Castle Marathon Summary
・Date and time: February 16, 2025
・Number of finishers: 11,921 (Men: 9,728, Women: 2,193)
・Average finish time: –
MEN
1:Abe Hayuma:2:16:26
2:Furukawa Hiroaki:2:16:40
3:Takami Yuhi:2:19:45
4:Nishihara Taiga:2:19:56
5:Kato Jumpei:2:21:38
6:Ishijima Kazuma:2:24:22
7:Sato Yamato:2:24:47
8:Umemoto Kazumi:2:25:22
9:Ota Ryusei:2:27:18
10:Hayata Kyohei:2:28:03
WOMEN
1:Kato Michiru:2:45:32
2:Fujisawa Mai:2:47:11
3:Okamura Reina:2:48:28
4:Iwamura Seika:2:49:27
5:Murata Natsuki:2:50:05
6:Asato Azuma:2:50:37
7:Tanigawa Manami:2:53:54
8:Shigemoto Kanami:2:56:09
9:Minato Akiho:3:00:55
10:Matsumura Erika:3:01:43
2026 Kumamoto Castle Marathon
Run through Kumamoto and feel its history and nature. 42.195km will unleash a new you.
・Location: Kumamoto City Hall Street (in front of Kumamoto Castle)
・Date and time: February 15, 2026
・Start time: 9:00 AM
Kumamoto: A spiritual home woven with history and nature
Kumamoto, located in the heart of Kyushu, is a city where rich nature and deep history breathe. The magnificent Kumamoto Castle, having overcome numerous difficulties and achieved powerful recovery, inspires visitors as a symbol of its citizens. The majestic nature of Aso, the bounty of the Ariake Sea, and the rich food culture nurtured by pure water are major attractions of Kumamoto.
In the city center, trams run, and while retaining the atmosphere of a castle town, there are lively shopping streets and modern buildings. Beautiful gardens like Suizenji Jojuen evoke traditional Japanese beauty, and attractive hot springs such as Kurokawa Onsen Village and Uchinomaki Onsen are scattered nearby. A journey that heals both mind and body awaits.
Local dishes unique to Kumamoto, such as basashi (horse meat sashimi), karashi renkon (mustard lotus root), and Taipeeien (a noodle dish), will delight visitors’ palates. In addition, there is an abundance of agricultural products nurtured by the warm climate and pure water, allowing you to enjoy fresh seasonal flavors.
Kumamoto, where historical buildings and beautiful nature coexist, and warm people live, is a place where you will discover something new each time you visit. The sight of people living each day with a strong desire for recovery gives us courage. Kumamoto is a special city that everyone can feel is their “spiritual home.”
