Hokkaido’s largest full marathon held in the summer in Sapporo
August 25, 2024
The Hokkaido Marathon is a unique event in Japan’s running calendar. Held in the summer, it is the only full-scale marathon in the country to take place during this time of year. The race attracts a field of 20,000 runners, including elite athletes and running enthusiasts from across Hokkaido, as well as the rest of Japan and overseas.
The course itself incorporates sections used in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic marathon and race walk. It begins in Sapporo’s heart, at Odori Park, home to the Sapporo TV Tower. Winding through the city, runners pass Susukino, a famed entertainment district, backdropped by scenic views of mountains and rivers. The route then traverses the verdant campus of Hokkaido University and continues past the iconic Red Brick Government Building, where the Olympic record line paint still remains.
Following the race, runners can choose to explore Sapporo’s sights, savor a culinary delight featuring fresh seasonal flavors, or unwind in a nearby hot spring resort.
