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Hirakata February Ecomarathon 2027

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Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

The event in a few words

Have you ever dreamed of running in the Land of the Rising Sun? 🌅 Well, here is the perfect opportunity for you! 🫵

The Hirakata Ecomarathon, located in the beautiful city of Hirakata, in Osaka Prefecture, in Japan 🇯🇵 is an unmissable event for any runner 🏃‍♂️. The event, taking place in February 🍂, offers 3 timed races ⏱️ of 5 km, 10 km and 21 km. Whether you are a beginner or a regular, you will have the chance to run along the cycling path by the Yodogawa River 🎣. If you came for a family day out, a parent-child race 👩‍👦 of 5 km is organized. In any case, you'll start at 11:00 AM, plus the races being limited to 200 participants in total, you won't risk getting trampled when the start is given 🤓.

With several other sporting events organized, particularly in the prefectures of Saitama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Kumamoto (but mainly in Tokyo 🌸) the Ecomarathon positions itself as an environment-conscious organization 🌳 and committed to various causes 🎗️. This year, it is possible to donate to the International Refugee Support Association: Second Harvest Japan. As Japan's first food bank, the organization is committed to ensuring everyone has access to food 🍲.

If you plan to extend your stay and visit the region, the Osaka Prefecture is full of tourist attractions for young and old! The Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life 🦈. The Universal Studios Japan opened first outside the United States and, similar to those in Orlando, have begun opening exclusive attractions in recent years, so you can find manga heroes 🫰 and popular Japanese characters there. If you only have one day to spend in the prefecture and you are not sure what to choose, why not take a trip to the city of Kyoto, former capital of Japan and emblematic site of traditional Japanese culture 🎏.

Today, Hirakata is a modern city with a diverse population and a dynamic economy 🎐. It is known worldwide for its universities, parks, and tourist attractions, while maintaining links to its historical past.

So, ready to take on the challenge? Let's warm up, lace up those sneakers, and sign up for the Hirakata Ecomarathon! 🚀

4 reasons to join this race

Explore Japan 🇯🇵
If you've never been to Japan, running the Hirakata Ecomarathon is the perfect opportunity to discover a country that harmoniously blends tradition and innovation. If you plan to extend your stay, we recommend exploring Osaka Prefecture. From Osaka Castle 🏯 to the Kaiyukan Aquarium 🦈 and Universal Studios Japan 🎡, these attractions are renowned and offer a variety of experiences.
A Flat and Fast Course ⚡️
Whether you choose to run 5 or 10 km, you'll likely be surprised by the ease of the course, offering a great chance to set a personal record 🏅. If you're looking for a family-friendly Sunday, there's a parent-child race for kids under 15 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.
Join a Close-Knit Event 👫
With a maximum of 200 participants, this event offers a more intimate experience compared to international races with thousands of runners. While it might lack the usual hustle and bustle, rest assured, you'll likely find even more enjoyment in this unique setting 🏃‍♀️.
Savor Japanese Delicacies 🍱
Though not as globally renowned as some neighboring cities, Hirakata offers a rich array of culinary delights 🥡 that will surely enhance your stay. Be sure to indulge in Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, or mochis 🍡 as a perfect end to your meal 🤤.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Bib pickup will be available on race day from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

The races will start at 11:00 AM at Yodogawa River Park Hirakata (near the bridge base) on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

There will be no baggage service on site, but a storage area will be available.

  • Half Marathon: The time limit is 180 minutes.

  • 10 km: The time limit is 90 minutes.

  • 1 km from Hirakata-koen Station

  • 2 km from Hirakatashi Station

Please note, limited express trains are convenient when coming from the Yodogawa or Osaka Kyoto directions but they do not stop at Hirakata Koen Station, the nearest station.

If you have further questions, you can reach out to the organizers at the following email address: ecomarathon@runningtokyo.com

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