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The Osaka Marathon started in 2011 with over 30,000 participants and is one of the largest city marathon events in Japan. To date, the race has provided the excitement of running through Midosuji, the main street of Osaka and completing a full marathon to more than 300,000 runners.
In Japanese, the word “Omotenashi” means “hospitality” and the people of “Naniwa” (Osaka) are some of the most hospitable and warmhearted in Japan with a crowd of more than 1.3 million people gathering along the road to enthusiastically cheer on the runners.
Another feature of the race are the many water stations and aid stations set up all along the course including the “Maido Aid Station” that awaits runners during the latter half of the race. This aid station symbolizes the city of “kuidaore” (“eat till you drop”) and offers many Osaka specialties and confectionaries from the stores in the local shopping district.
On the day before the race, a “Happy Morning Run” and a “Fun Run” for parents and children also takes place right near the Osaka Castle for overseas participants. The Osaka Marathon is one of the biggest annual events for the Japanese runners, participants coming from overseas, and the local people of Osaka.
The Osaka Marathon has implemented its own charity program since the start of the race in 2011. The race is the largest charity marathon in Japan with over 30,000 runners participating in this charity.
In Japan, holding a race in the middle of a major city was believed to be extremely difficult. However, in 2019 the Osaka Marathon was able to achieve what is referred to as a “Central Finish”, with a finish line located right in the center of the city. As a result, the race was reborn into an even more attractive event allowing participants to run through the center of Osaka and across many of the city’s famous historical and tourist sites. This race course is also certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
In February 2022, the Osaka Marathon will be integrated with the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, the oldest marathon race in Japan. The Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon is one of Japan’s flagship races and holds a Gold Label from the WA (World Athletics Federation) and as a selection race for Japan’s national team, has produced many of the country’s top runners. The integration of these two marathons is expected to enable the Osaka Marathon to become one of the world’s top marathons.
By combining two races that have garnered attention from around the world, the Osaka Marathon will have the competitiveness of an elite marathon with the world’s top runners, and at the same time, give amateur runners the opportunity and satisfaction of achieving their personal goals as well.
As the Osaka Marathon strives to evolve into a world class race, it looks to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.
We would like to welcome you to Osaka to come and experience this very special race firsthand.
