RunFastAbout the race
The Osaka Marathon is an annual mass-participation road race in Japan's second city. The first edition took place on 30 October 2011, when 27,161 runners started and 26,175 finished.
History
For most of its early years the race was run in late autumn, with editions in October and November. The 2020 race was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the event came back in February 2022. That year, a change at the national athletics federation merged the elite men's race with the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, so the elite men now race at Lake Biwa. A new course was introduced in 2019, with the start and finish near Osaka Castle Park. A shorter challenge run of 8.8 km has also been offered, and the organiser currently lists a 10K and Fun Run.
The 2027 edition
The organiser lists Osaka Marathon 2027 for Sunday 28 February 2027, and entry opened on 28 July 2026.
Entry
The organiser's site sets out separate application routes for general runners, runners with disabilities, citizen athletes, elite runners, Osaka sports-support runners and charity runners. Its news log says entries for general runners, runners with disabilities and the Naniwa Marathon run category closed by 28 August 2026, entry lottery results were emailed on 28 September 2026, and charity runner entry closed on 19 October 2026. The site also has a page on the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Check the official race requirements document for time limits.
Where to watch
The organiser is recruiting groups to perform along the roadside as the Runner Morioage-tai, cheering runners on. The start and finish area near Osaka Castle Park is the other fixed point named in my sources.
Weather
Osaka winters are generally mild and relatively dry, and snow is rare. The city's wet season arrives later, in June and July, with hot, humid summers after that. This is general climate background, not a forecast.
SourcesOsaka Marathon site (Japanese)·Wikipedia: Osaka Marathon·Wikipedia: Osaka (climate)