Osaka International Women’s Marathon
One of the world’s premier women’s marathons returns to Osaka, where elite international runners chase victory, records, and places on the sport’s biggest stages.
Running 42.195 kilometers in under two hours and twenty minutes demands extraordinary endurance. Doing it while battling the world’s best marathoners for victory takes something more.
The Osaka International Women’s Marathon returns January 31, 2027, bringing elite athletes from Japan and around the world to one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions. Now in its 46th edition, the World Athletics Platinum Label race carries significant stakes for Japanese runners pursuing selection for the 2027 World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
And you can experience this world-class competition for free. Yanmar Stadium Nagai welcomes spectators into its grandstands for the 12:15 start and the dramatic finish roughly two hours and twenty minutes later. Previous editions have brought food stalls, promotional displays, and fan activities to the Nagai Park area, adding to the race-day atmosphere. Along the course, Midosuji offers sweeping views of athletes racing through central Osaka, while the Osaka Castle area provides a spectacular setting for roadside cheering.
Osaka has a remarkable history of producing fast times. Its largely flat course, gentle elevation changes, and stretches sheltered from the wind help athletes maintain exceptionally quick, consistent paces. Those conditions have contributed to some extraordinary performances. In 2024, Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa won in a course-record 2:18:51, just eight seconds ahead of Japan’s Honami Maeda, whose 2:18:59 shattered the Japanese and Asian records.
First held in 1982, two years before the women’s marathon entered the Olympic Games, Osaka has spent more than four decades helping shape the international sport.
The Osaka Half Marathon also takes place that afternoon, giving the city two major distance-running events on the same day. For spectators, it’s an opportunity to experience world-class athletics up close, witness extraordinary endurance, and perhaps watch the next great moment in Osaka’s marathon history.
Elite International Competition – World-class women marathoners race for victory.
Free Stadium Admission – Watch the start and finish at Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
Roadside Viewing – Cheer along Midosuji and near Osaka Castle.
Race-Day Festivities – Past editions featured food stalls and fan activities.
Record-Breaking Course – Home to Japanese, Asian, and course records.
Photos: The Osaka International Women’s Marathon Official Website
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN OSAKA?
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Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Yanmar Stadium Nagai
Address: 1-1 Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0034
The marathon starts and finishes at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, inside Nagai Park in southern Osaka. Public transportation is recommended because race-day road closures affect the surrounding area.
TRAINS
JR Hanwa Line → Tsurugaoka Station
East Exit → Approximately 6 minutes on foot to the stadium.
JR Hanwa Line → Nagai Station
East Exit → Approximately 7 minutes on foot to the stadium.
SUBWAYS
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station
Exit 1 → Approximately 6 minutes on foot to the stadium.
Exit 3 also provides access to Nagai Park.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
From Namba: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station → Walk to stadium. Approximately 25–30 minutes total.
From Osaka–Umeda: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station → Walk to stadium. Approximately 35–40 minutes total.
RACE-DAY ACCESS
Road closures and restrictions on crossing the marathon course may affect pedestrian access around Nagai Park. Allow extra travel time, particularly near the start and finish.
Official Access Information:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/access/index.html
Nagai Park Access Guide:
https://nagaipark.com/access/
SCHEDULE
Sunday, January 31, 2027
11:30 – Recommended arrival at Yanmar Stadium Nagai for spectators wishing to watch the start.
12:15 – Osaka International Women’s Marathon begins at Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
12:15–14:30 – Race in progress through central Osaka, including the Osaka Castle area and Midosuji. Roadside spectators should consult the official course map for estimated passing times.
14:35–14:40 – Estimated arrival of the leading runners at Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
After the Finish – Awards ceremony at Yanmar Stadium Nagai. Exact time to be announced.
SPECTATOR TIP: Watch the start from the stadium grandstands, then return for the finish. Alternatively, choose a roadside viewing location along Midosuji or near Osaka Castle. The leaders pass quickly, so arrive well before their estimated arrival.
Official Course Map & Passing Times:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/english/course/index.html
Official Event Schedule:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/english/rules_regulation/
TICKETS
Spectator Admission: FREE
No tickets or advance reservations are required to watch the Osaka International Women’s Marathon.
Yanmar Stadium Nagai: Free admission with unreserved grandstand seating. Spectators can watch the 12:15 start and the finish.
Along the Course: Free roadside viewing along Midosuji, near Osaka Castle, and at other designated public viewing areas. Remain on sidewalks and follow race officials’ instructions.
For Competitors: This is an elite qualifying event, not an open-entry marathon. Eligible runners must meet official performance standards. The entry fee is ¥15,000, and registration closes December 8, 2026, at 17:00 JST.
Official Spectator Information:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/faq/index.html
Official Entry Requirements:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/english/rules_regulation/
Info Tip: Stadium seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive early for the best choice of seats, particularly if you want to watch both the start and finish.
THE EXPERIENCE
The Osaka International Women’s Marathon offers a rare chance to experience world-class athletics up close. From the anticipation of the stadium start to the cheers greeting exhausted runners at the finish, spectators can enjoy the competition from several locations across the city.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
- Watch the Stadium Start – See the elite field assemble at Yanmar Stadium Nagai before the 12:15 start.
- Experience the Finish – Return to the grandstands as the leaders enter the stadium for their final lap and the race for victory reaches its conclusion.
- Cheer Along Midosuji – Watch world-class runners race down Osaka’s famous boulevard beneath its rows of ginkgo trees.
- Watch Near Osaka Castle – Enjoy one of the course’s most scenic settings while cheering on the competitors.
- Explore the Race-Day Atmosphere – Previous editions have featured food stalls, promotional displays, and fan activities around Nagai Park. The 2027 program has yet to be announced.
Whether watching from the stadium or cheering from the roadside, visitors can witness the extraordinary speed, endurance, and determination that make Osaka one of the world’s great women’s marathons.
INFO & TIPS
Arrive Early: Allow extra time to reach Yanmar Stadium Nagai, especially before the 12:15 start. Grandstand seating is unreserved.
Choose Your Viewing Spot: Yanmar Stadium Nagai is best for watching the start and finish. Midosuji and the Osaka Castle area offer excellent roadside viewing and photography opportunities.
Check Passing Times: The elite runners move quickly. Consult the official course map for estimated passing times and arrive well before the leaders.
Road Closures: Traffic restrictions will affect central Osaka and Nagai Park. Crossing the marathon course is prohibited during designated closure periods. Check the 2027 restrictions before traveling.
Spectator Etiquette: Remain on sidewalks, keep the course clear, and follow race officials’ instructions. Running alongside competitors or entering the course to take photographs is prohibited.
Weather: Late January can be cold, particularly when sitting in the stadium grandstands. Dress warmly and bring layers.
Food & Facilities: Nagai Park has visitor facilities, but food stalls and additional race-day activities have not yet been confirmed for 2027.
CONTACT INFO
Organizer: Osaka International Women’s Marathon Organizing Committee
Official Website:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/english/
Official Course Map & Passing Times:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/english/course/
Spectator Information & FAQ:
https://www.osaka-marathon.jp/faq/
