Nagoya, Japan – Participants took to the streets of Nagoya on Sunday, March 8, 2026, for the Nagoya RUN 10km event, part of the larger Nagoya City Marathon weekend. The event, which included a half marathon and a 7.758km run alongside the 10km option, drew thousands of runners to the Aichi Prefecture capital. The event highlights Nagoya’s growing appeal as a running destination within Japan.
The Nagoya RUN 10km, alongside the half marathon and the shorter 7.758km Nagoya RUN, is designed to cater to a wide range of runners, from seasoned marathoners to those just beginning their running journey. The Nagoya City Marathon, of which the RUN events are a part, has become a significant sporting event in Japan, attracting both domestic and international participants. The 2026 event saw a total of 8,700 entrants for the half marathon and 2,700 for the Nagoya RUN, with additional slots allocated for charity runners and overseas participants, according to official event organizers.
The Nagoya RUN 10km course began at Vantelin Dome Nagoya and concluded at Paloma Mizuho Sports Park. The half marathon followed a similar route, extending to Shirakawa Park. Both courses are certified by Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) and World Athletics (WA/AIMS), ensuring adherence to international standards for race measurement and organization. The event organizers, a consortium including Nagoya City, the Nagoya-city Education and Sports Association, and The Chunichi Shimbun, aimed to provide a well-organized and enjoyable running experience for all participants.
Nagoya offers a variety of running routes, making it an attractive location for runners. Great Runs highlights Meijo, Tsuruma, Shonai Ryokuchi, and Heiwa parks, as well as paths along the Shonai/Yara rivers, Yamazaki and Tenpaku rivers, as ideal locations for running in the city. The guide notes the city’s wide boulevards and straight avenues are particularly well-suited for steady-paced runs, allowing runners to incorporate landmarks like Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine into their routes. Running Hub Japan emphasizes the potential for “run-sightseeing” loops within the city.
Entry fees for the Nagoya RUN 10km were 7,000 JPY for general participants and 12,000 JPY for charity runners. Half marathon entry fees were 11,000 JPY for general participants and 16,000 JPY for charity runners. Runners who opted not to check baggage on race day received a 500 JPY discount on their entry fee, excluding the overseas entry category. The event had a time limit of one hour for the Nagoya RUN and three hours for the half marathon, with course closure times established for traffic and security management.
The Nagoya City Marathon, and events like the Nagoya RUN, contribute to the city’s profile as a sporting hub in Japan. The event is sponsored by Niterra Co., Ltd. (Gold Sponsor) and Novel Balance Japan, Inc. (Silver Sponsor). The marathon’s growing popularity reflects a broader trend of increased participation in running events across Japan, driven by a growing emphasis on health and wellness.
Looking ahead, organizers will likely focus on refining the event logistics and expanding its international reach. The success of the 2026 Nagoya RUN and Marathon will inform planning for future events, with a continued emphasis on providing a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized experience for runners of all levels. Further details regarding registration for the 2027 event are expected to be released later in the year.
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