The Race
| Distance | 42.195 km |
| Course Type | Loop |
| Start | Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki, O-Vision Kaikyo-dori |
| Finish | Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki, O-Vision Kaikyo-dori |
| Registration | Direct entry |
| Total Finishers | 8,000 |
| Avg Race Day Temp | 9--18°C |
| Cutoff Time | 6 Hours |
| Course Certification | JAAF |
| Official Website | en.kaikyomarathon.jp/ |
The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon is a loop marathon held in Shimonoseki, Japan in November. The race attracts approximately 8,000 finishers. Average race day temperatures are 9--18°C.
Weather
| Avg Race Day Temp | 9--18°C |
| Avg Humidity | 65% |
| Avg Wind Speed | 7 mph NW |
| Climate Consistency | Consistent |
The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon runs a loop course from Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki through the western tip of Honshu, where the city faces Kyushu across the Kanmon Strait. The route passes Akama Shrine — dedicated to the child Emperor Antoku, who died in the sea battle of Dan-no-ura fought just offshore in 1185 — and Mimosusogawa Park, where bronze statues of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Taira no Tomomori stand at the water's edge. Further out, the course crosses the Hikoshima Ohashi Bridge to a turnaround on National Route 191 before returning through the city past the Karato seafood market and Kaikyo Messe. Shimonoseki is Japan's pufferfish capital: the Kaikyokan Aquarium holds the world's largest fugu collection, and the Nanpu-baku wholesale market nearby is the only licensed fugu market in Japan.
Full race guide - course description, key landmarks, and race-day tips - coming soon.
Entry
| Registration Type | Direct Entry |
| Entries Open | May (5 months prior) |
| Last Year Entries Opened | May 2026 |
| Next Event Date | 1 November 2026 |
The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon uses direct entry registration. Entries typically open May (5 months prior). For current entry details and to register, visit en.kaikyomarathon.jp/.
Detailed entry breakdown - GFA standards, charity places, tour operator packages, and tips for first-time entrants - coming soon.
Race Weekend
Race weekend guide - expo details, race morning transport, course overview, and finish area logistics - coming soon.
Where to Stay
Hotel recommendations near the finish line, neighbourhood guide, and booking timeline coming soon.
See & Do
Attractions, day trips, and things to do in Shimonoseki for marathon runners - coming soon.
After the Race
Post-race itineraries - day trips, overnight escapes, and regional travel from the finish line - coming soon.