Coloring the streets of Nagoya and surpassing limits. 42.195km of emotion and brilliance
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is a glamorous and inspiring event, recognized by Guinness World Records as the only women-only international marathon in the world. Held annually in early March, runners embark on a 42.195km course starting and finishing at Vantelin Dome Nagoya, winding through famous landmarks of Nagoya City.
The course, passing historical structures like Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon, as well as lively downtown areas, allows runners to fully experience the charm of Nagoya. Endless warm cheers resound along the roadside, powerfully encouraging each runner. Special hospitality for female runners, There is also a lot of special hospitality for women, such as original gifts given to those who finish the race. The weather is also attractive, with an average temperature of around 5 to 10 degrees, making it perfect for running.
Nagoya Women’s Marathon: A 42.195km journey where beauty and challenge merge
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure set against the beautiful cityscape of Nagoya, challenging your own limits and discovering a new you. Join female runners from around the world and carve your brilliant story on this special stage.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins at Vantelin Dome Nagoya (formerly Nagoya Dome). Runners lining up at the starting line inside the vast dome are enveloped in a unique sense of exhilaration. Immediately after the start, they run along the roads around the dome and gradually head into the city.
Sights along the way
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon course is characterized by a flat and easy-to-run layout that allows runners to experience Nagoya’s diverse charms.
・Early to Mid-race：After departing from Vantelin Dome Nagoya, runners pass near the Nagoya City Museum and proceed along major city roads. This section is known for its relatively small elevation changes, making it a good course for aiming for personal bests. It’s a section where the initial excitement settles down, and runners can easily find their pace.
・Mid to Late race：Runners pass through Myo-on-dori, Okute intersection, Wakamiya-kita intersection, and other areas, heading towards the center of Nagoya. Passing by Nagoya Castle, runners can feel the history and culture of Japan. Many citizens gather along the roadside, offering warm cheers.
・Final stretch：The route returns to Vantelin Dome Nagoya via Marunouchi Junior High School, Chichibu-dori intersection, in front of the Chunichi Shimbun building, and other points. While conserving energy for the final sprint, runners should turn the cheers from the roadside into power. The final straight to the dome is an important section for experiencing a sense of accomplishment.
Finish point
Finish on the ground of Vantelin Dome Nagoya! As runners enter the dome, applause and cheers from the large crowd surround them. Along with the sense of accomplishment from completing the race, the original Tiffany pendant handed over by the “Omotenashi Tuxedo Squad” in tuxedos at the finish line will be an unforgettable memory.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is relatively small, with no major undulations to be particularly aware of. Therefore, it is evaluated as a flat course that is easy to aim for personal bests.
・Weather：Nagoya in early March, when the race is held, often has relatively mild weather. The average temperature is around 5-10°C, and there are many sunny days, so suitable conditions for running can be expected. However, as it can feel chilly on some days, choosing clothing that allows for easy temperature regulation is important.
Participants’ comments
・”It was an all-women’s race, so it was great to be able to enjoy it without any worries.”
・”I was so happy with the Tiffany pendant! It’s a treasure for life.”
・”The support from the roadside was continuous and really encouraged me throughout.”
・”Being able to run through the streets of Nagoya so thoroughly is a unique experience only possible with a marathon.”
・”The finish inside the dome was moving and gave me goosebumps.”
・”The time limit of 7 hours is relatively long, which is good for beginners to aim for completion.”
・”The smiles of the Omotenashi Tuxedo Squad were so heartwarming.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Nagoya Women’s Marathon is to take advantage of the relatively flat course and maintain a consistent pace from the beginning. Enjoy the sights of the city while turning the warm cheers from the roadside into power. It is important to run at a comfortable pace until the middle of the race so that you can pick up the pace in the second half. The weather is often suitable for running, but in case of cold, preparing layered clothing is also effective.
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is a special stage where the radiance of women and the challenge of runners merge. Why not run through the streets of Nagoya and experience the greatest emotion and sense of accomplishment of your life?
2025 Nagoya Women’s Marathon Summary
・Date and time: March 9, 2025
・Number of finishers: –
・Average finisher time: –
WOMEN
1: Sheila Chepkirui: 2:20:40
2: Sayaka Sato: 2:20:59
3: Eunice Chumba: 2:21:35
4: Maho Uesugi: 2:22:11
5: Rika Kaseda: 2:23:05
6: Isabella Batt-Doyle: 2:23:29
7: Neely Gracey: 2:23:51
8: Leanne Pompeani: 2:24:53
9: Natsuki Omori: 2:25:36
10: Rino Goto: 2:26:08
2026 Nagoya Women’s Marathon
Be your own heroine in the city of Nagoya. 42.195km opens up a new step
・Location: Start and finish at Vantelin Dome Nagoya
・Date and time: Sunday, March 8, 2026
・Start time: 9:10 AM
Nagoya: A city of deep charm, where history and innovation breathe
Nagoya, located in the center of Japan, is a charming city where history and modernity are in harmony. It prospered as the base of the Owari Tokugawa family, which has a rich history, and Nagoya Castle stands majestically as its symbol. In addition, manufacturing industries, including Toyota Motor Corporation, have developed, constantly creating new technologies and cultures.
The magnificent appearance of Nagoya Castle and the solemn atmosphere of Atsuta Jingu Shrine allow visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand. On the other hand, the modern high-rise buildings around Nagoya Station and the lively commercial area of Sakae symbolize the city’s vitality and convenience. Nagoya’s unique food culture, including miso katsu, hitsumabushi, and tebasaki, is also a major attraction that fascinates visitors.
Cultural facilities such as art museums, museums, and science museums are also well-equipped, entertaining visitors for various purposes, from families to businesses. There are endless discoveries in Nagoya, such as spending a relaxing time in a beautiful Japanese garden like Tokugawatei or finding bargains in Osu Shopping Street.
asy access by Shinkansen is also one of its charms, making it easy to visit from anywhere in Japan. Nagoya, where tradition and innovation merge and boasts unique charm, is a special place that once visited, its depth will be revealed, and you will want to return again and again.
