Hokkaido Marathon in Sapporo, Japan
As part of our resources for visitors to Sapporo, we present this guide to the Hokkaido Marathon; one of two “marathon” events in Sapporo City, and the only full marathon running event in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Marathon
— Overview of the Hokkaido Marathon
— The Hokkaido Marathon is One of Two Marathons in Sapporo City
— Where is the Hokkaido Marathon located?
— How do we get to the Hokkaido Marathon?
— How Much Does it Cost to Participate in the Hokkaido Marathon?
— Events and Activities at the Hokkaido Marathon
— Who Attends the Hokkaido Marathon?
— What is the History of the Hokkaido Marathon?
— Travel Tips for Visiting the Hokkaido Marathon
— For Travelers Planning Ahead
— Who are the Sponsors of the Hokkaido Marathon?
— Surprising Things About the Hokkaido Marathon
More details below.
Overview of the Hokkaido Marathon
Event Name: Hokkaido Marathon (北海道マラソン)
Usual Date: Late August
Location: Odori Park / Sapporo City streets
Type of Race: Full marathon (42.195 km)
Website: https://hokkaido-marathon.com/
The Hokkaido Marathon is Japan’s premier summer marathon, held every August in Sapporo. Famous for its challenging heat, exciting atmosphere, and scenic city course, it attracts elite athletes, serious runners, and enthusiastic amateurs from across Japan and around the world.
The course is certified and recognized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.
The Hokkaido Marathon is One of Two Marathons in Sapporo City
In Sapporo, there are multiple running events throughout the year, but among them the Hokkaido Marathon held in Sapporo, is one of the prominent marathon races of the year.
The other popular marathon in Sapporo is the Sapporo Marathon. The Sapporo Marathon (held in October) is a half-marathon, and probably the second most important running event in Hokkaido. For more information, see our guide to the Sapporo Marathon for more information.
Where is the Hokkaido Marathon located?
The marathon takes place throughout central Sapporo, with the main venue located around Odori Park (Chuo-ku).
The course stretches through key city areas such as Sapporo Station, the Toyohira River area, Nakajima Park, and the downtown core, giving runners a scenic and urban race experience.
How do we get to the Hokkaido Marathon?
The Hokkaido Marathon starts and finishes in central Sapporo (often in Odori Park), in different locations depending on the year’s course. The easiest way to access the event is via public transportation.
On race day, many roads are closed for the marathon, so using public transit is strongly recommended.
How Much Does it Cost to Participate the Hokkaido Marathon?
Participation fees vary by category:
Cost for residents of Japan: 16,500 JPY
Cost for international visitors: 22,000 JPY
Spectators can watch for free along the route, but runners must register and pay the appropriate fee.
Events and Activities at the Hokkaido Marathon
The main attractions include:
Full marathon (42.195 km)
Pre-event expo, with booths selling running gear, local snacks, and event merchandise
Cheering zones with music and performers
Hydration and cooling stations (important due to summer heat)
Who Attends the Hokkaido Marathon?
The Hokkaido Marathon draws runners from all over Japan, as well as international participants, with as many as 20,000 runners joining in some years. The event welcomes elite competitors, local running enthusiasts, family teams, children, and first-time marathoners.
Spectators include local residents cheering along the route, tourists exploring Hokkaido, and fans of running events from near and far.
What is the History of the Hokkaido Marathon?
The Hokkaido Marathon began in 1987 to promote summer sports and tourism in Sapporo. Over the years, it grew into one of Japan’s major marathons, attracting both domestic and international runners.
The event is known for its challenging summer temperatures, demanding endurance and preparation from participants.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Hokkaido Marathon
Arrive early to avoid crowds and road closures
Use public transportation—parking is extremely limited
Hydrate well, as temperatures can be high
Wear breathable, summer-heat running gear
For spectators, bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Explore Sapporo before or after the race, including Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, and local Sapporo shopping.
For Travelers Planning Ahead
Check the official race website for the upcoming date, entry details, and race categories. For example, the Hokkaido Marathon for 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2025.
Book accommodations early, especially if you want to stay near Odori Park or other central Sapporo locations. Plan your transportation in advance, as the city can be crowded on race day.
Website: https://hokkaido-marathon.com/
Who are the Sponsors of the Hokkaido Marathon?
Supported by KANEKA, SGC, Alpen, Idemitsu, Dai-ichi Life, Noguchi Kanko, Heiwa Real Estate, Secoma, Daiwa House, Hokuren, Yotsuba Dairy, Suntory, Tobu Top Tours, Nippon-Ham, Hokuyo Bank, Hokkaido Mazda, Seiko, Asahi Innovex, DNP, Sapporo Beer, Westin Rusutsu/Marriott, BRING™ (JEPLAN).
Surprising Things About the Hokkaido Marathon
It is Japan’s only major full marathon held in summer, making it uniquely challenging
Elite athletes sometimes participate as preparation for international competitions
Cooling stations and mist zones help runners combat the August heat
The cheering culture in Sapporo is strong—locals come out in large numbers to support runners
See Also:
— New Chitose International Airport in Hokkaido, Japan
— Okadama Airport in Hagashi-ku, Sapporo, Japan
— Temples and Shrines in Sapporo, Japan
— Major Train Stations in Sapporo, Japan
— Festivals in Sapporo, Japan
— A Guide to Shopping in Sapporo, Japan
— List of Hot Springs, Public Baths, and Onsen in Sapporo, Japan
— Department Stores in Sapporo, Japan
— Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Baseball in Sapporo
— The Best Parks and Gardens in Sapporo, Japan
— Shinkansen, Subway, and Train Lines in Sapporo, Japan
— Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan
— Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, Japan
— The Biggest Events in Sapporo, Japan
— Sapporo Marathon in Sapporo, Japan
— Hokkaido Marathon in Sapporo, Japan
— Colleges and Universities in Sapporo, Japan
— Language Schools in Sapporo, Japan
— List of Sapporo Museums
— Fireworks in Sapporo, Japan
— Weather in Sapporo, Japan
— Popular Tourist Attractions in Sapporo, Japan
— The Neighborhoods in Sapporo, Japan
— Sapporo Teine Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan
— Bankei Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan
— Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan
— Local Ski Resorts in Sapporo, Japan
— International and English-Based Schools in Sapporo, Hokkaido
— Embassies and Consulates in Sapporo, Hokkaido
And also:
— The Osaka Marathon in Osaka City, Japan