Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

Hirakata May Eco-Marathon 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 May 🍂, 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 SaitamaOsakaHiroshimaKyoto 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, participating in the Hirakata Ecomarathon is the perfect opportunity to explore this country where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. Should you choose to extend your stay, we highly recommend exploring Osaka Prefecture. From the iconic Osaka Castle 🏯 to the fascinating Kaiyukan Aquarium 🦈 and the dynamic Universal Studios Japan 🎡, there's a plethora of well-known attractions to enjoy.
A Fast and Flat Course ⚡️
Whether you opt for the 5km or 10km race, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the ease of these courses, potentially helping you achieve a new personal best 🏅. For a fun family Sunday, there's a parent-child race organized for kids under 15 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒.
Participate in an Intimate Event 👫
With a maximum of 200 participants, this event offers a more intimate atmosphere compared to international races with thousands of runners. Don't worry; you're guaranteed to enjoy the race just as much, if not more 🏃‍♀️.
Savor Japanese Specialties 🍱
While not as globally renowned for its cuisine as some other cities, Hirakata offers a delightful array of culinary specialties 🥡 to indulge in during your stay. Be sure to try local favorites such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Mochis 🍡 to complete your meal experience 🤤.

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Bibs will be available for pick-up on race day from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.

The races will start at 11:00 AM at Yodogawa River Park Hirakata (near the base of the bridge) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

There will be no baggage service available, but a storage area will be set up for your convenience.

  • 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 if you're coming from the direction of Yodogawa or Osaka Kyoto, but they do not stop at Hirakata Koen Station, which is the closest station.

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