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Yodogawa January Ecomarathon 2026

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Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

The event in a few words

Have you always dreamed of running in the Land of the Rising Sun? ๐ŸŒ… In January pack your bags ๐Ÿงณ, we invite you to Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต, in the Osaka Prefecture, in the district of Yodogawa for the Yodogawa Ecomarathon ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ.

If you're a solo runner type ๐Ÿงโ€โ™‚๏ธ, come run the half marathon or the 10 km timed, or if you prefer family running ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง’โ€๐Ÿง’, a parent-child race of 5 km is organized. The race start will take place at 11 a.m. sharp ๐Ÿ•š, in the heart of Osaka, along the Yodo River. You will follow its course via the bike path ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ. The course being flat, easy, and fast โšก๏ธ, the race is open to both novice runners and experienced ones looking to beat their personal record ๐Ÿ’ช. With a limited number of 300 participants, you won't have to elbow your way at the start ๐Ÿ˜.

With several other sports events organized, particularly in the prefectures of SaitamaOsakaHiroshimaKyoto and Kumamoto (but mainly in Tokyo ๐ŸŒธ), the Ecomarathon stands as an environmentally conscious ๐ŸŒณ and committed to various causes ๐ŸŽ—๏ธ. This year, donations can be made to the international refugee support association : Second Harvest Japan. As Japan's first food bank, the organization commits to ensuring everyone has access to food ๐Ÿฒ.

The city of Osaka has a complex history but has evolved and reinvented itself over the years while maintaining its importance as a central and important city in the country. It is a highly touristic destination that combines traditional and modern culture ๐ŸŽ. Whether you are interested in gastronomy, shopping, culture, or entertainment, you should find joy in Osaka ๐Ÿ˜. If you choose to extend your stay, why not visit the Shin-Osaka Station Museum to learn more about the trains connecting the prefecture. If you seek a bit more tradition, don't hesitate to try the Sentล (public baths) or Onsen (traditional hot baths). To learn more about Shinto culture, the Kazaki Shrine โ›ฉ๏ธ will provide you with all the answers to your questions ๐Ÿง.

So tempted? Grab your ticket โœˆ๏ธ, lace up your shoes ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ, we're waiting for you at the Yodogawa Ecomarathon ๐ŸŽ.

4 reasons to join this race

Discover Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต
If you have never been to Japan, running the Yodogawa Ecomarathon is the ideal opportunity to discover this country that blends tradition and modernity in all circumstances. If you decide to extend your stay, we invite you to go explore the city of Osaka extensively. Between Osaka Castle ๐Ÿฏ, the Kaiyukan Aquarium ๐Ÿฆˆ, or the Onsen/Sentลs ๐Ÿšฐ, these attractions are all equally famous.
Participate in a human-sized event ๐Ÿ‘ซ
The maximum number of participants is 300 people. If you are used to international races with several thousand participants, you will see that it's not the same excitement! But don't worry, we guarantee you will have as much (or maybe even more) fun running ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ.
Taste Japanese specialties ๐Ÿฑ
During your stay, explore and visit local markets to discover and taste ๐Ÿ˜‹ fresh products, seafood ๐Ÿฆช, and other local specialties. If you pass by a street stall, don't hesitate to try kushikatsu ๐Ÿข, you will be pleasantly surprised!
A flat and fast course โšก๏ธ
You may be surprised by the ease and speed of the 10 km course. Indeed, it might allow you to beat your personal record ๐Ÿ…. If you're hoping for a family-friendly Sunday, a parent-child race is organized for children under 15 years old ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿง’โ€๐Ÿง’.

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Bibs can be collected on race day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The races will start on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Yodogawa Kasen Park Nishinakojima (near the railway bridge, at the riverbed level).

  • Half marathon: the time limit is 3 hours

  • 10 km: the time limit is 90 min

  • Stop at Hankyu Nishinakajina railway station

  • Stop at Osaka Nishinakajina Minamikata metro station

You will find toilets and a convenience store across from the station. There will be no storage facilities, but a baggage storage area will be available. You are responsible for your valuables.

If you have other questions, you can contact the organizers at the following email address: ecomarathon@runningtokyo

You can check the race rules here

Focus

Ecomarathon de Yodogawa