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Kyoto Yawata Ecomarathon in February 2026

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The event in a few words

Have you always dreamed of running in the land of the rising sun? ๐ŸŒ… In February, pack your bags ๐Ÿงณ, we invite you to Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต, in the prefecture of Kyoto, in the district of Yawata for the Kyoto Yawata Ecomarathon ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ.

If you are the solo type ๐Ÿงโ€โ™‚๏ธ, come run the half marathon or the timed 10 km, if you are more into family running ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง’โ€๐Ÿง’, a parent-child race of 5 km is organized. The race start will be at 11 AM sharp ๐Ÿ•š, in the heart of Kyoto, along the Ara river ๐ŸŒŠ. You will follow its path via the bike path ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ. The course is flat, easy, and fast โšก๏ธ, making it open to both novice and experienced runners looking to break their personal record ๐Ÿ’ช. With a participant limit of 200 people, you won't have to elbow your way at the start ๐Ÿ˜.

With several other sports events organized, particularly in the prefectures of Saitama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Kumamoto (but mainly in Tokyo๐ŸŒธ), the Ecomarathon positions itself as an organization environmentally conscious ๐ŸŒณ and committed to various causes ๐ŸŽ—๏ธ. This year, it is possible to donate to the international refugee support association: Second Harvest Japan. The first food bank in Japan, the organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to food ๐Ÿฒ.

The city of Yawata has a complex history but has managed to preserve its heritage and possesses significant Shinto shrines ๐Ÿงง. It is a very tourist-friendly destination that combines traditional and modern culture ๐ŸŽ. If you choose to extend your stay, you must make a mandatory detour to one of the best-preserved shrines in the region: Iwashimizu Hachimangu โ›ฉ๏ธ. Want to gain some elevation? โฌ†๏ธ Then take your ticket and hop on the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Sando Cable! ๐Ÿšƒ This funicular will lift you above the city of Kyoto for a unique panorama, without tiring your already weary legs ๐Ÿ˜….

The Kyoto Yawata Ecomarathon is the perfect race to discover Japan in your own way: with a pair of sneakers on your feet! ๐Ÿคช

4 reasons to join this race

Discover Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต
If you have never been to Japan, running the Kyoto Yawata Ecomarathon is the perfect opportunity to explore this country that blends tradition and modernity at all times. If you decide to extend your stay, we invite you to thoroughly explore the city of Kyoto. From the Kiyomizu-dera temples ๐Ÿฏ, to the Arashiyama bamboo grove ๐ŸŒฑ, and the eastern hills, these attractions are among the most well-known.
Participate in a human-sized event ๐Ÿ‘ซ
The maximum number of participants is 200 people. If you are used to international races with several thousand participants, you will see that it is not the same excitement! But don't worry, we guarantee you will have just as much (or maybe even more) fun running ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ.
A flat and fast course โšก๏ธ
You might be surprised by the ease and speed of the course. In fact, they may allow you to beat your personal record ๐Ÿ…. If you are hoping for a family Sunday, a parent-child race is organized for children under 15 ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง’โ€๐Ÿง’.
Savor Japanese specialties ๐Ÿฑ
During your stay, explore and visit local markets to discover and savor ๐Ÿ˜‹ fresh products, seafood ๐Ÿฆช, and other local specialties. If you pass by a street stall, don't hesitate to try some Takoyaki ๐Ÿ™, you will thank us later!

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Bibs can be picked up on race day from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

The races will start on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 AM near the parking area of Yodogawa Kasen Park, Sewaritei area.

Yes, you will have a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes to finish your event.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the organizers by email at ecomarathon@runningintokyo.com

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