Kyoto · Japan

Half Marathon races near Kyoto

2 races in 2026 next one in 17 days

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Upcoming Half Marathon races near Kyoto

JUL 1

Run · road · Half Marathon

【神戸ナイトラン】THE NIGHT CHALLENGE RACE KOBE 3【日本陸連公認】

神戸市中央区 · 62 km away

AUG 1

Run · road · Half Marathon

【神戸ナイトラン】THE NIGHT CHALLENGE RACE KOBE 4【日本陸連公認】

神戸市中央区 · 62 km away

Kyoto · 80 km

2 races mapped View on map →

Recurring Half Marathon races near Kyoto

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Osaka Yodo-River Citizens Marathon

The Osaka Yodo-River Citizens Marathon offers both marathon and half marathon distances in Osaka, following the Yodo River. It was established in 1997 by local residents for local residents, emphasizing participation and completion over competitive placement. This event was notable as Japan's first marathon organized solely by citizens and the first held exclusively on a riverbed. The course largely follows the river with out-and-back segments and minimal elevation changes, favoring a consistent pace. The terrain includes road, sidewalk, gravel, pebbles, and dirt. The start is in Asahi Ward, with convenient public transport access from Osaka and Kyoto. While the field is substantial, it has set limits for both distances. The event also includes medical runners, post-race seminars, and sells custom bib holders.

Ecomarathon de Kamogawa

The Ecomarathon de Kamogawa is a local river-park race in Kyoto, Japan, with its start near Takeda Station in Fushimi-ku. It is part of the Ecomarathon series in Japan and typically takes place in early November. Available distances include a half marathon, 10 km, and a 5 km parent-child run; some event details also list a full marathon. The race has a field limit of approximately 300 participants, making it a compact, local event rather than a large city marathon. The course follows the Kamogawa River Park and its riverside path. It is a flat, straightforward route suitable for beginners, regular runners, and those aiming for a fast finish. The half marathon and 10 km races are open to healthy runners aged 15 and older, while the 5 km parent-child run requires one child under 15 accompanied by a guardian. The event promotes itself as a Kyoto marathon supporting environmental causes, with support from organizations such as Second Harvest, the International Refugee Support Association, and PEACE RUN.

Ecomarathon de Yodogawa

The Ecomarathon de Yodogawa is a local road race in Osaka, Japan, held in the Yodogawa district along the Yodo River. Taking place in early November, it features 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon races, alongside a 5 km parent-child event. With a 11:00 a.m. start time and a limit of 300 participants, the race offers an intimate, community feel rather than a large-scale city marathon. The course utilizes a flat, straightforward, and quick path along the Yodo River within a public park. This design is suitable for both novice runners and those aiming for personal records, with the 10 km and half marathon configured as single loops. The Ecomarathon organization connects its events to environmental objectives and charitable initiatives, with this particular race benefiting organizations like Second Harvest Japan, the nation's initial food bank.

【大阪】THE CHALLENGE RACE OSAKA 5 ｜日本陸連公認レース

京都観光ラン21km｜京都トレイルラン東山コース

The Kyoto Kanko Run 21km is a guided trail-running tour in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. The focus is on running between temples, shrines, hills, and viewpoints, not on achieving a specific time. The route begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, covering the torii-gate paths and the steps to the summit. It then proceeds towards Shogunzuka and Mt. Daimonji. This event is for runners seeking a secure introduction to trail running, particularly marathon runners interested in mountain trails, and individuals who prefer running in a small group over running solo. The course connects Kyoto landmarks with sections suitable for running. However, the group walks within shrine grounds and on some crowded hiking paths for safety. The tour includes a stop at Tsurugi Shrine, known for its association with child protection. It passes scenic spots famous for autumn foliage before reaching the fire platform on Mt. Daimonji, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Participants typically range from their 30s to 50s, with many attending alone. Women are a significant part of the group, and the atmosphere accommodates various experience levels. The run concludes near Ginkaku-ji, often followed by sweets at Ginkakuji Matsubaya, including their matcha cream puff.

Ecomarathon de Kyōto Yawata

The Ecomarathon de Kyōto Yawata is a running event held at Yodogawa River Park’s Sewaritei area in Yawata, Kyoto. It takes place in front of Yawata Zaioji Temple and west of Kizugawa Miyuki Bridge. Participants can choose from three distances: a half marathon (180 minutes limit), a 10 km race (90 minutes limit), and a 5 km parent-child run. The total number of participants is capped at 300. The closest station is Keihan Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station, providing train access. High school students and older runners in good health may enter the half marathon or 10 km. The 5 km parent-child run requires a child under 15 accompanied by one guardian. This run is informal; times are not officially recorded or measured, with families using a finish line clock. The event is organized by ecomarathon.run in cooperation with Second Harvest, the International Refugee Support Association, and PEACE RUN.

Ecomarathon de Hirakata

The Ecomarathon de Hirakata is a small road race in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, based in the Hirakata area of Yodogawa River Park near Hirakata Bridge. Typically held in late November, it features 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon distances, along with a parent-child run. All races begin simultaneously at 11:00 AM, with a field limited to 200 participants, making it considerably smaller than a major city marathon. The organizer is ecomarathon.run, and the event supports an environmental theme with the slogan “Committed to the planet.” The course utilizes the Yodo Riverbed, following the riverside path used by runners and cyclists instead of a busy city street circuit. The location is approximately 1 km northwest of Hirakata-koen Station and 2 km west of Hirakatashi Station; however, limited express trains bypass Hirakata-koen. High school students and older participants in good health may enter the timed races, and children under 15 can run with a parent. The parent-child run is intentionally relaxed: it is not officially timed, offers no awards, and families can note the finish clock or use their own timepieces.

【大阪】THE CHALLENGE RACE OSAKA 6【日本陸連公認レース】

View all recurring races near Kyoto →

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About Half Marathon races in Kyoto

Kyoto Base Miles

Kyoto hosts 10 Half Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Locals run the Kamo River when they want easy Z2, especially north of Demachiyanagi where the line feels calmer. The Katsura River gives longer base miles, fewer people, and a better surface when the Kamo gets busy. Kyoto Gyoen gives wide gravel paths, and the Oike and Horikawa thoroughfares work for night intervals. Kurama and Kibune suit experienced runners who want steep climbs and descents. SGH Galaxy Stars is the club name from the local brief. The route covers 15 km with 150 m of gain.

Locals ride because the city centre is flat, gridded, and easy to cross by bike. The Kamo River Route works for steady spins from JR Kyoto Station toward Shimogamo Shrine. The Arashiyama Route takes riders through Arashiyama Station, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Bamboo Forest Path. The Higashiyama Route links Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Ginkaku-ji Temple for a longer roll. Kyoto Cycling Tour Project is the practical map-and-tour hub here. Kurama, Kibune, Mt. Daimonji, and the western mountains hold the climbing. Osaka Castle Triathlon is the serious regional anchor when bike-run sharpness matters.

Late April, May, early June, and autumn are the best months for both sports. Autumn has cool mornings, good conditions for long rides, and works well for marathon training. Summer changes the rules because Kansai days from the end of July through August are rarely below 32 degrees Celsius, and Kyoto feels hotter with the humidity and no sea breeze. Locals go early, keep intervals short, and save big Z2 for cooler hours. Winter stays usable in the city, but the hills and mountains, especially northeast of Kyoto, can get snow. The city centre stays better for running and riding when the climbs turn cold.