Have you always dreamed of running in the Land of the Rising Sun? 🌅 In May pack your bags 🧳, we invite you to Japan 🇯🇵, in the Osaka Prefecture, in the district of Yodogawa for the Yodogawa Ecomarathon 🏃♀️.
If you're a solo runner type 🧍♂️, come run the half marathon or the 10 km timed, or if you prefer family running 🧑🧑🧒🧒, a parent-child race of 5 km is organized. The race start will take place at 11 a.m. sharp 🕚, in the heart of Osaka, along the Yodo River. You will follow its course via the bike path 🚴♂️. The course being flat, easy, and fast ⚡️, the race is open to both novice runners and experienced ones looking to beat their personal record 💪. With a limited number of 300 participants, you won't have to elbow your way at the start 😝.
With several other sports events organized, particularly in the prefectures of Saitama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Kumamoto (but mainly in Tokyo 🌸), the Ecomarathon stands as an environmentally conscious 🌳 and committed to various causes 🎗️. 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 🍲.
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 🎐. Whether you are interested in gastronomy, shopping, culture, or entertainment, you should find joy in Osaka 😍. 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 Sentō (public baths) or Onsen (traditional hot baths). To learn more about Shinto culture, the Kazaki Shrine ⛩️ will provide you with all the answers to your questions 🧐.
So tempted? Grab your ticket ✈️, lace up your shoes 👟, we're waiting for you at the Yodogawa Ecomarathon 🎏.
A parent-child race 🧑🧑🧒🧒 is scheduled during the day, with the start time set for 11:00 AM sharp 🕚. This race 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 on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Yodogawa Kasen Park Nishinakojima (near the railway bridge by the riverbed).
Half Marathon: time limit is 3 hours
10 km: time limit is 90 minutes
Stop at Hankyu Nishinakajina train station
Stop at Osaka Nishinakajina Minamikata subway station
Restrooms are available across from the station. There won't be a cloakroom, but there will be a baggage storage area. You are responsible for your valuables.
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to the organizers via email at: ecomarathon@runningtokyo
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