2027 Kochi Ryoma Marathon - Feb 21

2027 Kochi Ryoma Marathon - Feb 21 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2027 Kochi Ryoma Marathon - Feb 21
CityKochi
Date2027-02-21 at 09:00
Field Size~10,000 runners
Time Limit7 hours
Cutoff pace9:57/km
TimezoneAsia/Tokyo
Official SiteKochi Ryoma Marathon Organizing Committee (高知龍馬マラソン実行委員会)

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Race Day Weather

Average Temperature7.6°C / 46°F
Humidity77%
Wind26 km/h
Rain Chance35%
Typical ConditionsCool, often sunny mid-February weather on Shikoku's Pacific coast, typically around 6-10C at the 9:00 AM start and warming through the day, with a bay breeze on the bridges.

What to Prepare: Dress for a cool morning that warms up: a light long-sleeve and a throwaway top layer for the start, with a cap or thin gloves. The Pacific side of Shikoku is usually dry in February, but expect wind crossing the Urado Bridge.

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 26 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 3.6°C 7.1°C 12.6°C
Dew point -1°C 2.5°C 9.9°C
Wet-day chance: 35% Runnability: 68/100

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

Course Profile

Course TypePoint-to-point road marathon
Elevation Gain90m
TerrainRoad
ProfileA largely flat and fast course through Kochi City and along the Pacific, with its main climb over the Urado Bridge (about 40 m of elevation gain) near the coast and gentle riverside stretches along the Niyodo River.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2027 Kochi Ryoma Marathon - Feb 21

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2027?

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2027 is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2027, with a 9:00 AM start. It is a point-to-point course that begins in front of the Kochi Prefectural Government building, near Kochi Castle, and finishes at Haruno Comprehensive Sports Park Stadium, running through central Kochi City and out along the Pacific coast of Shikoku.

How do I enter the Kochi Ryoma Marathon, and is there a lottery?

There is no lottery: the full marathon uses first-come, first-served entry, capped at 10,000 runners, and it sells out — the most recent edition drew well over 11,000 applications before the cap closed. Entry typically opens in early August through the official site and RUNNET, and the full-marathon fee is 13,000 yen (plus a small processing fee). Sign up early and set a target with our race time predictor.

What is the time limit and is the course beginner-friendly?

The time limit is a generous 7 hours, one of the more relaxed cutoffs in Japan, which makes this a good choice for a first marathon or a comeback race. The route is largely flat and fast apart from the Urado Bridge, so it suits runners chasing both a finish and a personal best — plan your splits with our pace calculator to bank time on the flat sections.

Why is it called the Ryoma Marathon?

The race is named for Sakamoto Ryoma, the 19th-century samurai and reformer born in Kochi who is one of Japan's most beloved historical figures. The event leans into that local pride, and the course passes Kochi landmarks such as Harimaya Bridge before heading out to the coast where Ryoma is often pictured gazing across the Pacific.

Is the Kochi Ryoma 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 AIMS-measured, so an official chip time can be used toward Boston Marathon qualifying if you meet your age-group standard. Check where you stand with our Boston qualifying calculator.

Do I need a visa or travel authorization to run as a foreign visitor?

Many nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia and others) can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays; confirm your own nationality's requirement before booking. Japan does not currently require an ESTA or eTA. Kochi is reached by air from Tokyo and Osaka, or by train and express bus across Shikoku, making a race-weekend trip very doable.

What is the weather usually like in late February?

Kochi sits on the sunny Pacific side of Shikoku, so late February is usually cool and relatively dry, often around 6-10C at the 9:00 AM start and warming through the morning. It is comfortable racing weather, but pack a throwaway layer for the start line and expect a breeze on the exposed Urado Bridge.

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