Participant Guide
Tohoku Food Marathon 2026
東北風土マラソン 2026 — OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT GUIDE
📅 Race Day: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Thank you for registering for the Tohoku Food Marathon 2026. We are looking forward to seeing you at the event. Below are the details and schedule for the day. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
✈︎ For Overseas Runners
For runners currently living outside of Japan, you can pick up your number card (bibs) at the Help Desk on race day.
For runners currently living outside of Japan, you can pick up your number card (bibs) at the Help Desk on race day.
Event Schedule
Day-of Timeline
7:30 AM
Venue Opens — T-shirt exchange begins
8:20 AM
Opening Ceremony
8:30 AM
Full Marathon — Start
Runners may start anytime until 9:00 AM (time limit calculated from 8:30 AM)
9:00 AM
Half Marathon — Start
Rolling starts within assigned 30-minute slots until 11:00 AM
11:00 AM
Half Marathon — Last Start
11:30 AM
ASICS Tomorrow Run (Parent-Child Run) — Start
12:30 PM
KIDS Smile Run — Start
Invitation-only run for persons with disabilities
1:00 PM
5km Run — Start
2:30 PM
Closing Ceremony (tentative)
🏁 3:00 PM — Event Ends | Final time limit for Full & Half Marathon
Start Times
🏅Full Marathon
Official start at 8:30 AM — runners may start anytime until 9:00 AM. The time limit (6.5 hours) and checkpoint cut-off times are calculated from an 8:30 AM start. Final time limit: 3:00 PM.
If you start after 9:00 AM, please speak to a staff member at the start area.
🏅Half Marathon
Rolling starts between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM within your assigned 30-minute start slot (printed on your bib). You may start outside your assigned slot if needed — simply arrive at the start area at your preferred time.
⚠︎ No starts permitted after 11:00 AM.
👨👧Parent-Child Run & 5km Run
ASICS Tomorrow Run (Parent-Child): 11:30 AM — mass start
5km Run: 1:00 PM — mass start
Announcements will be made at the venue. Please gather before start time.
5km Run: 1:00 PM — mass start
Announcements will be made at the venue. Please gather before start time.
⏱︎Timing Mat
Make sure to cross the timing mat under the inflatable start arch when you begin.
If you do not cross the timing mat at the start, your time will not be recorded. (The Parent-Child Run is not timed.)
Timing, Bib & T-shirt
📡Timing
Timing is recorded via the IC chip attached to your bib. Read the instructions on the back and wear the bib on the front of your chest. The bib and IC chip do not need to be returned after the race.
👜︎T-shirt Exchange
If you ordered a T-shirt, pick it up at the event venue.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Naganuma Footopia Park — Dedicated Tent
Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Naganuma Footopia Park — Dedicated Tent
Your bib doubles as the exchange voucher. Please bring it with you!
📜Finisher Certificate & Results
A PDF finisher certificate with your time will be available online approximately 30 minutes after you finish. (The Parent-Child Run certificate will not include a time.) Download your certificate at:
🔗 https://mypublisher.jp/26tfm
⚠︎ Download deadline: 3 months after the race — July 19, 2026.
Awards
🏆Awards & Lucky Prize
Awards will be given during the Closing Ceremony for the top 3 male and female finishers of the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5km Run, as well as the Best Costume Award winners.
Finishers of any event will be entered in a lucky draw for a surprise prize. Prize shipping is expected in mid-May.
Venue Facilities & Services
🚪Changing Rooms
Outdoor changing tents will be provided at the venue. Space is limited and may be crowded, so please plan accordingly.
🎒Baggage Storage
A baggage storage area is available. Plastic bags and tape will be provided — please write your bib number on your bag.
We are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Valuables cannot be stored. Pick up by 3:00 PM.
🚻Toilets
Temporary toilets are available at the main venue and aid stations, but may be crowded near start time. Please use restrooms at train stations or public facilities before arriving.
💪Warm-up & Cool-down
Please warm up (stretching / light exercise) before your race and cool down thoroughly afterward. Warm-up guidance will be provided on the stage before each race.
💆Body Maintenance
A Lomiswedish massage booth will be set up near the finish area.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: JPY 1,500 / 15 min | JPY 3,000 / 30 min
Price: JPY 1,500 / 15 min | JPY 3,000 / 30 min
📏Distance Markers
Distance markers are posted every 2 km along the course.
Retiring from the Race
🚌Retirement Procedure
If you need to stop, go to the nearest aid station and inform the staff. From there, proceed to the nearest bus pick-up point and take the bus back to the main venue.
A sweeper vehicle and pick-up bus will follow behind the last half marathon runner. Runners who have exceeded the time limit will be asked to board the pick-up bus.
Access: Shuttle Bus
🚌Shuttle Bus — Outbound Departure Times (tentative)
Shuttle buses operate from Kurikoma Kogen Station (Shinkansen), Semine Station (JR Tohoku Line), and Tome City Hall. Spectators are welcome, but priority will be given to runners when crowded.
| Departure Point | Departure Times | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kurikoma Kogen Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen) |
7:10 / 7:40 / 8:00 / 8:35 / 9:20 / 10:05 AM | ~30 min |
| Semine Station (JR Tohoku Main Line) |
7:55 / 8:05 / 8:20 / 9:25 / 9:40 AM | ~15 min |
| Tome City Hall | Every 15–20 min from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | ~10 min |
🔗 Venue & Access Info:
https://tohokumarathon.com/access/
https://tohokumarathon.com/access/
Parking
🚗Parking Information
Parking is available only for those who have applied in advance.
A parking permit will be sent by email to those who registered for parking. Please use only your designated lot.
📶 IMPORTANT: Drunk driving is strictly prohibited. Drivers are strongly urged to refrain from drinking at the Tohoku Sake Festival.
Best Costume Award
🎭Best Costume Award — Theme: "80's"
Express your creativity with a costume inspired by the "80's" theme! Please ensure your costume does not inconvenience other runners or violate public decency.
How to Enter: Visit the SDGs Booth at the venue on race day
Registration Hours: 8:10 AM – 12:30 PM
Winners are selected by the organizers and announced at the Closing Ceremony.
Registration Hours: 8:10 AM – 12:30 PM
Winners are selected by the organizers and announced at the Closing Ceremony.
Other Information
🌧︎In Case of Rain
The event proceeds in rain. Event cancellation due to extreme weather will be announced on the official website by 6:00 AM on race day.
No refunds will be issued in the event of cancellation.
🗙︎Waste & Recycling
Please dispose of trash at designated bins on the course and at the venue. Please separate waste properly at eco-stations. Help us keep the course clean!
📷Photos & Videos
Photos and videos taken during the event may be used on our website, future event materials, magazines, or other media. Thank you for your understanding.
🍶Festivals at the Venue
The Tome Food Festival and Tohoku Sake Festival will be held at the same venue. Enjoy local gourmet dishes and tastings from sake breweries & wineries across Tohoku!
Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
🎁Gifts / Souvenirs for Volunteers
Would you like to thank the volunteers with a small gift from your hometown or home country? The organizing team will make sure it is delivered to the volunteers.
Bring your gift with a short message to the T-shirt pick-up tent before the race. Please avoid fresh food or short-shelf-life items. Snacks volunteers can eat during their shifts are especially appreciated!
Health Checklist
💓 Please review before race day
This event is a fun run designed for all participants to enjoy safely. Please use the checklist below to assess your condition and participate only if you feel well.
The organizers will not be held responsible for any illnesses, lost items, or accidents during the event, except for providing first aid.
The organizers will not be held responsible for any illnesses, lost items, or accidents during the event, except for providing first aid.
📋 Before the Event — Consult Your Doctor if Any Apply
⚠︎ If any of the above apply, please consult your doctor before participating.
⚠︎ If any of the above apply, we encourage you to consult your doctor before participating.
✅ On Race Day — Check All Before You Start
Contact & Further Info
🌐 Official Website
💌 Access & Transport
📧 Email
📜 Finisher Certificate
