The marathon finishes on a Sunday in late February, so this trip starts on Monday with tired quads. Nara asks for little walking if you keep to Todai-ji and one lunch, and the trains do the rest.
Getting there
The Kintetsu line from Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara takes about 45 to 50 minutes by express for 760 yen. The limited express takes about 35 minutes for 1,280 yen, which is the 760 yen fare plus a 520 yen supplement. The JR Miyakoji rapid from Kyoto Station to JR-Nara takes about 45 to 50 minutes for 720 yen. Pick whichever station is closer to your hotel.
Todai-ji
The Great Buddha Hall is open 8:00 to 17:00 from November to March, and 7:30 to 17:30 from April to October. Adult admission is 800 yen, cash only, and a combination ticket with the museum costs 1,200 yen. The temple publishes no advance booking requirement for admission. The hall is large and mostly flat inside, with a gravel approach from the gate, so pace yourself on the way in.
Lunch
Shizuka (志津香) serves kama-meshi, rice cooked and served in an iron pot, with branches near Nara Park. The listing places one 740 m from Kintetsu-Nara station, about a ten-minute walk, which is a fair distance two days after a marathon. A taxi from the station is an option.
Where to stay
If a day trip turns into a night, JW Marriott Hotel Nara sits near Omiya Station, and the Nara Hotel overlooks the park. Both need a booking well ahead for a February weekend, and rates were not checked.
Getting back
Trains back to Kyoto run on the same two lines. Allow for a seat on the limited express if your legs are stiff, and keep the return before dark, because temple grounds close at 17:00 in winter.