Biwako Marathon
びわ湖マラソン35°01′ N 135°51′ ERaceMar 14, 2027
The Biwako Marathon suits runners who planned a year ahead, since all 8,000 places for 14 March 2027 have gone, though anyone riding the south shore that day should expect road closures.
Dates and hours
- March 14, 2027Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
Date rule: Held on a Sunday in March.
Shiga prefecture, the Shiga athletics association and the cities of Otsu, Kusatsu and Moriyama put on the race over a JAAF-certified course. It starts at Ojiyama athletics stadium in Otsu and finishes on the Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu, crossing the lake on the Omi-Ohashi bridge on the way. The 2027 race on 14 March is the fifth edition, with 8,000 runners and a six-hour limit. Five cut-off points sit along the course.
Entry cost ¥15,000 plus a 6 percent booking charge, and every place sold out by 30 September 2026. Overseas entries closed on 20 September with no waiting list. Runners have to be born on or before 1 April 2008 and able to finish within 5 hours 50 minutes.
Riders should plan around the south lake on race day. The organisers publish road closures along the course, and the Lake Biwa Museum shuts for the day.
Worth knowing
- Race bibs and timing chips arrive by post; there's no pickup the day before or on the day.
- Riders planning a south-lake loop around 14 March should check the organisers' traffic-restriction page first.
Quick answers about Biwako Marathonよくある質問
When is the Biwako Marathon 2027?
Sunday 14 March 2027, starting at 8:20 from Ojiyama athletics stadium in Otsu.
Can I still enter the Biwako Marathon 2027?
No. All 8,000 places sold out by 30 September 2026, and overseas entries closed on 20 September with no waiting list.
What are the opening hours of Biwako Marathon?
Biwako Marathon is open the gun goes at 8:20 and the course closes six hours later.
How long are the Biwako Marathon courses?
Biwako Marathon publishes one course: Marathon (42.195 km) at 42.195 km, by the organiser's figures.