Fukuoka Marathon
The Fukuoka Marathon is an international men's road race held annually in early December in Fukuoka, Japan, with roots tracing back to 1947. Originally named the Kanaguri Prize Asahi Marathon and first held in Kumamoto, the event found its permanent home in Fukuoka starting in 1959. The current race upholds the legacy of the Fukuoka International Marathon, which, despite a temporary halt after its 75th running, was continued by a successor event that preserved its course and history. The marathon has consistently drawn elite marathoners, not just local participants. International athletes were first welcomed in 1954, and the course has since witnessed a world record. Tsegaye Kebede holds the course record at 2:05:18, and Toshihiko Seko and Frank Shorter are tied for the most wins with four each. A notable local marker is found at Hakata Station: a Fukuoka Marathon monument displays the footprints of previous champions.
