Have you ever dreamed of running in the Land of the Rising Sun? ๐ Well, here is the perfect opportunity for you! ๐ซต
The Hirakata Ecomarathon, located in the beautiful city of Hirakata, in Osaka Prefecture, in Japan ๐ฏ๐ต is an unmissable event for any runner ๐โโ๏ธ. The event, taking place in February ๐, offers 3 timed races โฑ๏ธ 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 ๐ฃ. If you came for a family day out, a parent-child race ๐ฉโ๐ฆ 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 ๐ค.
With several other sporting events organized, particularly in the prefectures of Saitama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Kumamoto (but mainly in Tokyo ๐ธ) the Ecomarathon positions itself as an environment-conscious organization ๐ณ and committed to various causes ๐๏ธ. 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 ๐ฒ.
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 ๐ฆ. 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 ๐ซฐ 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 ๐.
Today, Hirakata is a modern city with a diverse population and a dynamic economy ๐. 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! ๐
A parent-child race ๐งโ๐งโ๐งโ๐ง is scheduled for the day, starting promptly at 11 AM ๐. It is open to children up to 15 years old.
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
You can check the race rules here
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