Have you always dreamed of running in the Land of the Rising Sun? 🌅 In November, pack your bags 🧳—we’re inviting you to Japan 🇯🇵, in the Osaka Prefecture, in the Yodogawa district for the Yodogawa Ecomarathon 🏃♀️.
If you’re more of a solo type 🧍♂️, come run the half marathon or the timed 10 km. If you’re more into family running 🧑🧑🧒🧒, a parent-child 5 km race is organized. The races will start at exactly 11:00 a.m. 🕚, in the heart of Osaka, along the Yodo River. You’ll follow its banks via the bike path 🚴♂️. As the route is flat, easy, and fast ⚡️, the race is open both to novice runners and to experienced runners looking to beat their personal best 💪. With a participant cap of 300 people, you won’t have to elbow your way through at the start 😝.
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 environmentally conscious 🌳 and committed to different 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 🍲.
The city of Osaka has a complex history, but has managed to evolve and reinvent itself over the years while maintaining its importance as a central and important city in the country. It is a very touristy destination that combines traditional and modern culture 🎐. Whether you’re interested in food, shopping, culture, or entertainment, you should find what you’re looking for in Osaka 😍. If you choose to extend your stay, why not visit the Shin-Osaka Station museum to learn more about the trains that connect the prefecture. If you’re looking for a bit more tradition, don’t hesitate to try the Sentō (public baths) or Onsen (traditional hot baths). To learn more about Shinto culture, the Kazaki Shrine ⛩️ will answer all your questions 🧐.
So, tempted? Book your ticket ✈️, lace up your shoes 👟—we’ll be waiting for you at the Yodogawa Ecomarathon 🎏.
A parent-child race 🧑🧑🧒🧒 is organized during the day; the start will be at exactly 11:00 a.m. 🕚. It is open to children up to 15 years old.
Bib pick-up will take place on race day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The races will start on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 11 a.m., at Yodogawa Kasen Park Nishinakojima (near the railway bridge, by the riverbed).
Half marathon: the time limit is 3 hours
10 km: the time limit is 90 min
Get off at Hankyu Nishinakajina train station
Get off at Osaka Metro Nishinakajina Minamikata station
You’ll find toilets opposite the station. There won’t be a bag drop, but there will be a baggage storage area. 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
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