Fukui Sakura Marathon
The Fukui Sakura Marathon is a 42.195km marathon held under the concepts: "A distinctive full marathon originating in Fukui that we can proudly present nationwide," "The last full marathon established in Japan (as it is held in late March, at the end of the year for Japanese schools and businesses), yet the newest, representing a new generation of full marathons," and "A full marathon where you run, watch, support, and connect."
The Appeal of the Fukui Sakura Marathon
① Start/Finish at Fukui Station
The start/finish location of the Fukui Sakura Marathon is about a 7-minute walk from Fukui Station. This is a rare central start/finish course nationwide. Using public
transportation like the Hokuriku Shinkansen allows for smooth access to the venue. Before and after the event, be sure to enjoy shopping and dining around Fukui Station!
② Famous Cherry Blossom Spots
The Fukui Sakura Marathon course features famous cherry blossom spots and landmarks such as "Sakura Street," "Shin-Kuzuryu Bridge," "Maruoka Castle," "Kitsune River," "9.98 Stadium," and "Asuwa River."
Experience the unique scenery of Fukui!
③ Runner-Friendly Dinosaur-Shaped Course
The Fukui Sakura Marathon course features minimal elevation changes (15m total, max 21m, min 6m), making it accessible for everyone from beginners to serious runners. The course's path also traces the shape of Fukui's famous "dinosaur," allowing smartwatch users to enjoy a "drawing run" via app!
*Fukui Prefecture is where most dinosaur fossils found in Japan were discovered, and is home to one of the world's three leading dinosaur museums, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
④ 7-hour time limit
The Fukui Sakura Marathon offers a generous 7-hour time limit, perfect for first-time full marathoners!
For example, by training at your own pace—say, running at 10 minutes per kilometer—anyone can aim to finish.
⑤ Sakura Aid
The Fukui Sakura Marathon features "Sakura Aid" stations, serving Fukui's local school lunch specialties to runners.
Savor Fukui's flavors while aiming for the finish line!
⑥ Local Hospitality
The Fukui Sakura Marathon will feature "Cheer Stages" and "Cheer Spots" along the course. Diverse performances and warm encouragement from local residents will powerfully support runners in completing the race. Additionally, approximately 6,000 volunteers and staff will warmly welcome runners along the course and at aid stations!
Event Producer: Suguru Osako (Professional Runner, Nike)
Image provided by: Fukui Sakura Marathon Executive Committee
- Area
- Awara,Sakai,Fukui
Information
- Event Period
- Saturday, March 30, 2025
- Telephone Number
- 0776-20-0539(Fukui Sakura Marathon Executive Committee Secretariat (Within the Fukui Sakura Marathon Section, Culture and Sports Bureau, Cultural Exchange Department, Fukui Prefecture))
- Email Adress
- marathon@pref.fukui.lg.jp
- Address
- 福井県福井市・坂井市
- Prices
- ●Marathon: ¥14,000 ●5km: (General) ¥4,000, (Junior/Senior High School Students) ¥2,500 ●1.5km: ¥1,500
- Website







