Karuizawa Marathon Festival:

Imagine Two Half Marathons, One Weekend, and You!

Runners in Japan during autumn

The Karuizawa Marathon Festival on October 27 and 28, 2018 promises the unique experience of two half marathons over the course of a weekend in one of Japan’s most chic boutique ski resort towns!

On Saturday, runners can challenge themselves to the Usui Pass Run 184, known for the 184 turns and 400 meters of cumulative elevation gain throughout the 21KM course. The following day, the Karuizawa Resort Marathon offers a flat and fast run amidst beautiful fall foliage through Karuizawa.

Athletes seeking a challenge can opt to run both of the Karuizawa Marathon Festival’s half marathons. An exclusive medal is awarded to finishers of both half marathons! Of course, runners may also choose to run a half marathon one day and explore Karuizawa the other day.

People outside of tent

Bring your family! Shorter distances suitable for children and beginner runners are available both Saturday (2KM) and Sunday (5KM).

Getaway with your friends! Saturday’s half marathon distance ekiden is a perfect way to connect with your friends, have a great time, and support each other in a team effort to cross the finish line!

Karuizawa Marathon Festival

The Karuizawa Marathon Festival is Japan’s first “half and half” running experience and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to run not just one but two half marathons on the same weekend!

When: October 27-28, 2018
Where: Karuizawa, Nagano
Distance: 21KM Usui Pass Run 184 (Oct 27) + 21KM Karuizawa Marathon Festival (Oct 28)
Entitlements: Event shirt, medal (only for finishers of both half marathons)
Bag Check: Free, first-come, first-served. Coin lockers also available.
Average Temperature 3.7℃ to 13.9℃

Note: Race packets (bib, timing chip, athlete guide) for those registering with international addresses outside of Japan must pick up their race packet on Oct 27.

Karuizawa Marathon Festival podium photo
Karuizawa Marathon Festival medals
Female winners at a race

Usui Pass Run 184
21KM: Top 8 men, women (special prizes for Top 3), Top 3 age group (in 5 year increments)
Ekiden: Top 3 men, women, mixed (at least 40% of team must be women)

Karuizawa Resort Marathon
21KM: Top 8 men, women (special prizes for Top 3), Top 3 age group (in 5 year increments)

Usui Pass Run 184

Male runner in Japan with bridge in background

When: October 27, 2018 at 0830AM
Start: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort parking lot (Karuizawa, Nagano)
Distance: 21KM, 2KM, Ekiden
Cut Off Times: 11.2KM (1:22), 13.4KM (1:49), 15KM (2:03), 17KM (2:17), 19.0KM (2:35)
Entitlements: Event shirt
Check-In: Oct 27
Bag Check: Free, first-come, first-served. Coin lockers also available.

Note: Race packets (bib, timing chip, athlete guide) for those registering with international addresses outside of Japan must pick up their race packet on Oct 27.

Elevation profile for Usui Pass Run

Usui Pass Run 184 Ekiden

When: October 27, 2018 at 0940AM
Team: 2-5 (+2 alternates allowed)
Start: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort parking lot (Karuizawa, Nagano)
Distance: 21KM (out and back)
Leg 1 (4KM), Leg 2 (3.6KM), Leg 3 (5.8KM), Leg 4 (3.6KM), Leg 5 (4KM), Leg 6 (10.5KM)
Entitlements:
Event shirt (alternates ineligible)

Runners sprinting the start line
* An ekiden is a long-distance relay race

Karuizawa Resort Marathon

Runners smiling in fall race

When: October 28, 2018 at 0800AM
Start: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort parking lot (Karuizawa, Nagano)
Distance: 21KM, 5KM
Cut Off Times: 5.1KM (:45), 11.7KM (1:33), 13.0KM (1:41), 15.2KM (1:56), 17.6KM (2:15), 19.4KM (2:27)
Entitlements: Event shirt
Check-In: Oct 27- 28
Bag Check: Free, first-come, first-served. Coin lockers also available.

Note: Race packets (bib, timing chip, athlete guide) for those registering with international addresses outside of Japan must pick up their race packet on Oct 27 or Oct 28.

Elevation profile for Karuizawa Resort Marathon

Getting There

From Tokyo Station About 70 minutes via the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station. From Karuizawa station, about 8 minutes by foot to the race site.

About Kazuizawa

Located just 70 minutes by shinkansen from Tokyo, Karuizawa is a premiere resort town nestled into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. Known for its outdoor recreation, summers are spent cycling, playing golf, or exploring trails. Winter sports and hot spring onsen are popular in the winter.
Japanese runners at race

for more information

to learn more about the Karuizawa Marathon Festival, click here (in Japanese)

to view the course map for both races, click here (in Japanese)

to register for the Karuizawa Marathon Festival, click here