Fukuoka vs Kobe Marathon — Which Should You Run?

Compare Fukuoka and Kobe Marathons — Japan's mid-November races, one week apart. Flat coastal vs rolling port course, near-identical weather, and choosing your ideal race.

Quick Comparison

Feature 2026 Fukuoka Marathon - Nov 8 2026 Kobe Marathon - Nov 15
Country/RegionJapanJapan
MonthNovemberNovember
Avg Temperature13-18°C12-17°C
Course TypeFlatRolling
Elevation~30m~120m
Field Size15,00020,000
EntryLotteryLottery
World MajorNoNo
BQ CourseYesYes
Crowd SupportGoodExcellent
Race-week weather score77/10076/100

Detailed Comparison

The Fukuoka Marathon (November 8) and Kobe Marathon (November 15) fall just one week apart in mid-November in western Japan, offering different takes on Japanese coastal marathon running. Fukuoka runs a flat ~30m elevation course along Hakata Bay in Kyushu. Kobe's rolling ~120m course follows the Hyogo coastline with mountain backdrops in the Kansai region.

Course difficulty is the main separator. Fukuoka's flat seaside route is designed for speed — straight, wide roads along the bay with minimal elevation change. Kobe's undulating coastal course, while scenic with views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Rokko Mountains, demands more from your legs with its rolling hills. Temperature-wise the two are nearly identical — both mid-November races around ~13-18°C (JMA gives Fukuoka and Kobe the same ~14°C November mean), with Fukuoka if anything marginally warmer as it runs a week earlier. Weather is a wash; the course profile is the real decider.

Both marathons share strong local character. Fukuoka is a food lover's paradise (Hakata ramen, mentaiko), while Kobe is known for Kobe beef and its sophisticated port-city charm. Kobe draws 20,000 runners to Fukuoka's 15,000, but both deliver excellent Japanese organization and enthusiastic regional crowd support. Choose Fukuoka for speed; choose Kobe for scenery and autumn beauty.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is flatter, Fukuoka or Kobe Marathon?

Fukuoka is much flatter with ~30m of elevation gain on a straight coastal route. Kobe has ~120m of rolling elevation along its waterfront course. For a fast time, Fukuoka is the better choice.

Which has better food culture?

Both are outstanding food cities. Fukuoka is famous for Hakata ramen, mentaiko, and street food stalls (yatai). Kobe is renowned for Kobe beef, sake breweries in Nada, and its cosmopolitan dining scene. Either makes an excellent culinary marathon trip.

Which is cooler for racing?

They're nearly identical — both mid-November races (~13-18°C) with the same ~14°C JMA November mean; Fukuoka's earlier Nov 8 date is, if anything, marginally warmer than Kobe's Nov 15. Weather won't decide this one — the flat Fukuoka vs rolling Kobe course will. Use our Weather Race Score to compare.

Are both BQ-eligible?

Yes, both the Fukuoka and Kobe Marathons are BQ-eligible courses. Fukuoka's flatter profile makes it statistically easier to hit a Boston qualifying time, but fast runners can BQ at Kobe with proper hill preparation.

Which is easier to enter?

Both use lottery systems with reasonable odds compared to Tokyo's 10:1. Fukuoka and Kobe are similarly accessible, with most applicants who register on time having a decent chance of acceptance.

Prepare for Your Marathon

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