Nagoya Women's Marathon
Nagoya, Japan · Second Sunday of March
The world's biggest women-only marathon: a flat, wide city loop finishing inside the Nagoya Dome, with cold March air and organisation to Japanese standards. Genuinely fast, and an experience built entirely around its field.
Course
Elevation gain
50 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~18,000
Month
March
Second Sunday of March
Race-day weather
Median start temp
7°C
Historical range
3–14°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Early March in central Japan is dependably cool — classic fast-marathon conditions.
Getting in
Lottery. Women only — the largest women's marathon in the world. Lottery for general entry; every finisher gets the famous Tiffany pendant. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Nagoya Women's 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 Nagoya Women's Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 50 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 Nagoya Women's Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 7°C, with a historical range of roughly 3–14°C. Early March in central Japan is dependably cool — classic fast-marathon conditions.
How do you get into the Nagoya Women's Marathon?
Lottery. Women only — the largest women's marathon in the world. Lottery for general entry; every finisher gets the famous Tiffany pendant.
Is the Nagoya Women's Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Nagoya Women's Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.