2027 Kitakyushu Marathon - Feb 21

2027 Kitakyushu Marathon - Feb 21 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2027 Kitakyushu Marathon - Feb 21
CityKitakyushu
Date2027-02-21 at 09:00
Field Size~10,800 runners
Time Limit6 hours
Cutoff pace8:32/km
TimezoneAsia/Tokyo
Official SiteKitakyushu Marathon Organizing Committee (北九州マラソン実行委員会)
RegistrationRegister · 14500 JPY

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Race Day Weather

Average Temperature8.8°C / 48°F
Humidity72%
Wind28.9 km/h
Rain Chance39%
Typical ConditionsCool, dry mid-February weather on the Kyushu coast, typically 5-11C at the 9:00 AM start, with a chance of a brisk wind off the Kanmon Strait but generally clear racing conditions.

What to Prepare: Dress for a cold start that warms as you run: a throwaway top layer plus arm sleeves or light gloves works well, since the morning chill eases through the late-morning miles.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 28.9 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

Cooler Typical Warmer
Temperature 5.7°C 8.7°C 12.1°C
Dew point -0.4°C 3.5°C 9.4°C
Wet-day chance: 39% Runnability: 71/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course TypeSingle-loop urban road marathon
Elevation Gain90m
TerrainRoad
ProfileFlat to gently rolling on closed city roads, with no major climbs and only minor rises near bridges and overpasses, making it a fast, PR-friendly course.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2027 Kitakyushu Marathon - Feb 21

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Kitakyushu Marathon 2027?

The Kitakyushu Marathon 2027 is held on Sunday, February 21, 2027. Based on the most recent editions, the full marathon starts at 9:00 AM in front of Kitakyushu City Hall in the Kokura district and finishes near the Kitakyushu International Conference Center. The single-loop course runs through the heart of the city's industrial-heritage landscape on the northern coast of Kyushu.

How do I enter, and is there a lottery?

General entry is by lottery. In oversubscribed years the field is decided by ballot rather than first-come, first-served, with results announced by email around mid-October and accepted runners paying the fee in late October. Entry is handled through the official site and RUNNET. For the 2027 race, the detailed outline and the exact entry window are announced progressively on the official site and social media, so check there for opening dates.

What is the entry fee for overseas runners?

In recent editions the full-marathon fee was about 14,500 yen for domestic entrants and around 20,000 yen for international entrants, with a separate overseas application path. The 2027 fee is confirmed when the official outline is published, so treat these as a guide rather than a locked figure when budgeting your trip.

What is the time limit and is the course fast?

The course time limit is 6 hours, tighter than many large Japanese marathons, so you need to hold roughly an 8:30 per kilometre average and clear each checkpoint on schedule. Note that entrants must also be able to finish within 5 hours 40 minutes — a stricter participation requirement that allows for the wave start, where it can take time to cross the line. The payoff is a flat, fast city course with no significant climbs, which makes it a strong choice if you are chasing a personal best. Plan your splits with our pace calculator.

Is the Kitakyushu Marathon a Boston-qualifying race?

Yes. The course is certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF / 日本陸連公認) and by AIMS, so an official chip time can support a Boston Marathon qualifying application if you meet your age-group standard. Check where you stand with our Boston qualifying calculator.

What makes the course worth travelling for?

Kitakyushu was a cradle of Japan's modern industry, and the route threads past landmarks of that era, including the historic Yawata Steel Works and the Higashida district, before reaching the retro Mojiko port waterfront on the Kanmon Strait. Roadside crowds are huge for a regional race, giving a festive, well-supported atmosphere through the closed downtown streets.

How do I get to Kitakyushu, and do I need a visa?

Kitakyushu is reached via Kokura Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen, about 15 minutes from Hakata in Fukuoka and under five hours from Tokyo, and Kitakyushu Airport handles domestic flights. Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays and no ESTA or eTA is currently required, but confirm your own nationality's rule before booking.

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