NAHA Marathon (太陽と海とジョガーの祭典 NAHAマラソン)
The NAHA Marathon is a major sports and cultural celebration set against the vibrant backdrops of Naha City and southern Okinawa. Originating to mark the 25th anniversary of Naha's sister-city relationship with Honolulu, this annual full marathon has grown into an iconic international event drawing thousands of national and overseas runners. The 42.195 km course starts on Highway 58 at Onoyama Park, passes through historic downtown Naha and Kokusai-dori street, winds through the southern municipalities of Haebaru, Yaese, Itoman, and Tomigusuku, and concludes inside the Onoyama Athletic Stadium. Beyond the athletic challenge, the marathon is famed for its unparalleled atmosphere—local residents line the entire course offering enthusiastic cheering, live Eisa drum performances, and unofficial aid stations packed with Okinawan specialties like brown sugar, salt, and local fruits. Course Distance: Full Marathon (42.195 km, JAAF Certified) Time Limit: 6 hours 15 minutes (With strict checkpoint cutoff times) Start / Finish: Onoyama Park (Start: 9:00 AM / Finish Closes: 3:15 PM) Entry Capacity: 30,000 participants Xandre Statement Connecting Global Travelers to Authentic Cultural Heritage At Xandre, our mission is to spotlight extraordinary cultural gatherings and bridge the gap between local heritage and global explorers. The NAHA Marathon represents the perfect synthesis of athletic passion, scenic tropical landscapes, and living Okinawan hospitality. Through the Xandre platform, we empower both national visitors and international travelers to seamlessly discover, plan, and immerse themselves in iconic global experiences.
Where does it come from?
Festival Spirit & Community Support: Renowned for continuous roadside cheering, Eisa drumming groups, and warm community hospitality throughout all 42 kilometers. Scenic Southern Route: Journey past iconic landmarks including Kokusai-dori street, Peace Memorial Park, and coastal roads in southern Okinawa. Global Runner Gathering: One of Japan's largest citizen marathons welcoming athletes of all backgrounds to run under the Okinawan sun.
NAHA Marathon Association Secretariat (NAHAマラソン協会事務局) 10F Okinawa Times Co., Ltd., 2-2-2 Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 900-8678, Japan Phone: +81 98-862-9902
