Fukuoka Marathon
Fukuoka, Japan · First Sunday of November
The Fukuoka Marathon (mass public race) runs point-to-point from Fukuoka City Hall west along the Hakata Bay coast to Itoshima, through the same seaside corridor that made the elite Fukuoka International Marathon (est. 1947) famous as one of the world's oldest and fastest prestigious races. The mass course is essentially flat, hugging sea level along the Nishijin coastal road with only minor bridge undulations, and November conditions in Kyushu are consistently cool and PR-friendly. The race is selective — qualifying standards apply — but accessible to club-level runners who meet the time criteria.
Course
Elevation gain
45 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~15,000
Month
November
First Sunday of November
Race-day weather
Median start temp
12°C
Historical range
8–18°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Fukuoka in early November is ideal marathon weather — cool mornings around 10–12°C rising to 15–18°C by finish. Low humidity, light winds, and reliable conditions consistently produce fast times.
Getting in
Qualifier or lottery. Entry via a Japanese lottery with qualifying time requirements (roughly sub-3:30 men / sub-4:00 women to be eligible to enter). Applications open in summer via f-marathon.jp. International runners may access spots through authorised overseas travel partners. A separate elite-only Fukuoka International Marathon (World Athletics Label) runs in December for sub-2:35 qualifiers. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Fukuoka Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fukuoka Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 45 m of total elevation gain and no net drop. We rate it 8/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Fukuoka Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 12°C, with a historical range of roughly 8–18°C. Fukuoka in early November is ideal marathon weather — cool mornings around 10–12°C rising to 15–18°C by finish. Low humidity, light winds, and reliable conditions consistently produce fast times.
How do you get into the Fukuoka Marathon?
Qualifier or lottery. Entry via a Japanese lottery with qualifying time requirements (roughly sub-3:30 men / sub-4:00 women to be eligible to enter). Applications open in summer via f-marathon.jp. International runners may access spots through authorised overseas travel partners. A separate elite-only Fukuoka International Marathon (World Athletics Label) runs in December for sub-2:35 qualifiers.
Is the Fukuoka Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Fukuoka Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.