Osaka Women's Marathon

Osaka Women's Marathon Countdown

297

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

22

Sec

Next Race

January 31, 2027

298

days to go

The Osaka International Women's Marathon is one of the most prestigious elite women's-only road races in the world. Starting and finishing at the Yanmar Nagai Stadium in southern Osaka, the course heads north through the city, passing Osaka Castle twice and running along the elegant ginkgo tree-lined Midosuji boulevard past Osaka City Hall. With a small, elite-only field and a fast, wind-protected course, Osaka has long served as a key Japanese Olympic selection race and a proving ground for the world's best female marathoners.

WA Platinum Label

Est.

1982

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

35m

Elev. Loss

35m

Field Size

~500

When

January

Time Limit

4h

THE COURSE

Gain

+35m

Loss

-35m

MI 0

KM 0

Nagai Stadium Start

The elite women's field sets off from the Yanmar Nagai Stadium in Osaka's southern Higashisumiyoshi ward. The intimate field of just a few hundred runners creates a focused, championship-quality atmosphere.

ELEV: 20ft

MI 0

KM 0

Nagai Stadium Start

The elite women's field sets off from the Yanmar Nagai Stadium in Osaka's southern Higashisumiyoshi ward. The intimate field of just a few hundred runners creates a focused, championship-quality atmosphere.

ELEV: 20ft

MI 6

KM 10

Osaka Castle — First Pass

The course heads north and runners get their first glimpse of Osaka Castle, the magnificent 16th-century fortress rebuilt in ferro-concrete. The castle's distinctive green-copper roof and white walls tower over the surrounding parkland.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 6

KM 10

Osaka Castle — First Pass

The course heads north and runners get their first glimpse of Osaka Castle, the magnificent 16th-century fortress rebuilt in ferro-concrete. The castle's distinctive green-copper roof and white walls tower over the surrounding parkland.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 10

KM 16

Midosuji Boulevard & City Hall

Runners traverse Midosuji, Osaka's grandest boulevard, lined with beautiful golden ginkgo trees. The course passes Osaka City Hall and the bustling commercial district of Umeda.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 10

KM 16

Midosuji Boulevard & City Hall

Runners traverse Midosuji, Osaka's grandest boulevard, lined with beautiful golden ginkgo trees. The course passes Osaka City Hall and the bustling commercial district of Umeda.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 18

KM 30

Osaka Castle — Second Pass

The return leg brings runners past Osaka Castle for a second time, now from a different angle. The moat and stone walls provide a stunning backdrop for the later stages of the race.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 18

KM 30

Osaka Castle — Second Pass

The return leg brings runners past Osaka Castle for a second time, now from a different angle. The moat and stone walls provide a stunning backdrop for the later stages of the race.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Nagai Stadium Finish

The final kilometers bring runners back through Osaka's southern neighborhoods and into the Nagai Stadium for a triumphant track finish. The elite atmosphere and Japanese precision timing make for a fitting conclusion to this championship-caliber event.

ELEV: 20ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Nagai Stadium Finish

The final kilometers bring runners back through Osaka's southern neighborhoods and into the Nagai Stadium for a triumphant track finish. The elite atmosphere and Japanese precision timing make for a fitting conclusion to this championship-caliber event.

ELEV: 20ft