🇯🇵Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka International Marathon
Dec 6, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
40 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
World-record territory — one of the fastest courses on the planet
Beginner friendly
Better suited to experienced runners
About this race
The Fukuoka International Marathon is one of the oldest and most historically significant marathons in the world, first run in 1947 and long regarded as Asia's elite marathon benchmark. The near-flat point-to-point course runs from the Heiwadai Athletics Stadium along Fukuoka's coastal boulevards to the Heiwadai track — a 40m elevation gain across 42.195 km of pristine road surface. December conditions of 8–15°C are close to ideal for fast times. While the race has traditionally focused on elite invited athletes, a growing mass-participation field (under 2,000 runners) runs alongside. The combination of history, fast course, and elite tradition makes this the most prestigious marathon in Japan outside of Tokyo. Kyushu's warm autumn and excellent ramen culture sweeten the trip for international runners.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
7–15°C
Humidity
50–65%
Conditions
Fukuoka December — cool and clear, near-ideal for racing
Wind
5–15 km/h
Pace Band
Generate a free elevation-adjusted pace band for Fukuoka International Marathon. Print it, wear it, hit your splits.
Build my pace band →Compare
Stack Fukuoka International Marathon against another race side-by-side.
Compare with another race →More races
You might also like
Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima Marathon
Mar 1, 2027 · Road · ↑ 80 m
Lottery closedJapan's most emotionally significant marathon — past the Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome, along Hiroshima's seven river delta islands, in one of the world's most meaningful cities.
Osaka, Japan
Osaka Marathon
Feb 1, 2027 · Road · ↑ 90 m
Lottery closedJapan's second city delivers a flat, fast February marathon through Osaka's business districts, riverside promenades, and raucous food-centric streets.
World MajorTokyo, Japan
Tokyo Marathon
Mar 2, 2027 · Road · ↑ 112 m
Lottery openOne of the six World Marathon Majors through Tokyo's iconic streets — fast, flat, and phenomenally well-organised.
Explore the region
More Asia marathons
Suzhou, China
Suzhou Marathon
Nov 22, 2026 · Road · ↑ 40 m
Lottery openChina's fastest marathon — a dead-flat World Athletics Label course through Suzhou's classical garden network, along the ancient Grand Canal, and through the UNESCO-listed water-town of Tongli.
Seoul, South Korea
Dong-A Seoul Marathon
Mar 15, 2027 · Road · ↑ 145 m
Lottery closedOne of Asia's oldest and most competitive marathons — a tough but rewarding route through Seoul's historic and modern districts in crisp spring conditions.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai Marathon
Nov 29, 2026 · Road · ↑ 40 m
Lottery openChina's fastest marathon — a near-flat loop along the iconic Bund waterfront, through Lujiazui's glass skyscrapers, and across the Huangpu River bridges.