第45回べに花マラソン 2026

The Benibana Marathon is a community race in Kahoku Town, Yamagata Prefecture, known for safflowers and dolls. Despite its name, it features 6 km and 2 km races, with approximately 600 spots available across both distances. Held in June, regardless of weather, it starts from the Kahoku Town General Exchange Center, "Sahat Benibana." The morning schedule includes an opening ceremony, followed by the 6 km race start, and then the 2 km race a few minutes later. The course follows the north side of Sahat Benibana and the Benibana Roman Road, presenting a local road race atmosphere rather than a large urban event. Participants only need to be healthy enough to complete the distance, making it accessible for children, first-time runners, and casual participants alongside experienced racers. All finishers get an original T-shirt, and the race bib serves as a ticket for participation gifts. Post-race amenities include drinks, barley tea, shaved ice, a lottery for Kahoku specialties, and stalls offering local food and souvenirs like cold meat soba, curry-flavored sauce katsudon, Italian vegetables, and slippers. The Benibana Sports Festa, featuring activities such as slipper table tennis, also takes place at the town gym on the same day.