Course Map
About this Race
The Nagano Marathon is a scenic course through the Japanese host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, tracing rivers and countryside with the Alps on the horizon before a finish in the Olympic stadium. The largely flat profile is reasonably fast amid the mountain scenery. Held in April, it offers cool spring conditions and the orderly support typical of Japanese racing. The alpine backdrop and stadium finish define the day. It suits runners who want a fast-leaning, scenic Japanese race with a memorable Olympic-venue climax in a pleasant spring window.
Course Insight
Nagano is a scenic April marathon beneath the Japanese Alps, mostly flat and quick with a goosebump finish inside the Olympic stadium of the 1998 Winter Games. The gentle terrain leaves pacing discipline to you on the open stretches. Crisp spring air suits fast running. The mountain backdrop is a constant lift. Pace it evenly and earn that stadium finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 140m
- Elevation loss
- 128m
- Highest point
- 385m
- Lowest point
- 340m
- Net elevation
- +12m
- Start
- Starts at Nagano Sports Park, passes Zenko-ji temple, finishes inside the Nagano Olympic Stadium.
- Cutoff time
- 5h 0m
Race History
The Nagano Marathon was first held in 1999 in the wake of the 1998 Winter Olympics, a scenic course tracing rivers and countryside with the Alps on the horizon before a finish in the Olympic stadium. Its largely flat profile and alpine backdrop gave it real appeal. From its founding it grew into a popular Japanese marathon. Held each April, it draws a field to the Olympic host city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Tokyo Haneda (HND), Matsumoto (MMJ) & Narita (NRT)
- Best area to stay
- Central Nagano near Zenko-ji for atmospheric stays on the route, the station area for transport convenience, and Matsumoto for charming options a train ride away.
- Getting to the start
- The start is central; walk from central hotels or take a short ride, with the finish at the Olympic Stadium.