Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2026

Yellow nanohana flowers line the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon course in Ibusuki City, at the southern end of Kagoshima Prefecture. The race is run on the second Sunday of January and is the first full marathon of the year, using a certified 42 km course. It is a citizen marathon, drawing runners from across Japan. The route follows seaside roads, offering ocean views and salty winter air alongside the early-season yellow flowers. Nanohana are tied to the arrival of spring in Japan, providing a local marker for the event even though it occurs in January. The event relies on a large volunteer network, creating a festival atmosphere rather than a purely competitive road race.