1st Pia Sapporo Toyohira River Half Marathon 2026 in Japan e-Ticket

Overview

Marathon season is here! Set in Makomanai Park and the Toyohira River, a new marathon event that runs through Sapporo in early summer “The 1st Pia Sapporo Toyohira River Half Marathon 2026” will be held on May 3rd (Sun・holiday)! This inaugural event offers runners a refreshing course through the scenic landscape of Hokkaido as the region transitions into the beautiful early summer season.

Participants will start and finish at the iconic Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium, a venue with a rich Olympic history. The route follows the lush banks of the Toyohira River, providing a flat and fast course that is ideal for setting personal bests. Whether you are a competitive athlete or a recreational runner, this event celebrates the spirit of running in one of Japan’s most picturesque cities, supported by local cheers and the vibrant natural beauty of the northern frontier.

Why Attend

• Be a part of history by participating in the very first edition of this new Sapporo tradition.
• Enjoy a scenic and relatively flat course that winds through Makomanai Park and along the refreshing Toyohira River.
• Experience the excitement of starting and finishing inside the prestigious Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium.
• Take advantage of the pleasant early May weather in Hokkaido, perfect for long-distance running without the summer heat.
• Choose from multiple distances—Half Marathon, 10km, or 5km—making it accessible for all fitness levels and family members.

Schedule & Tickets Information

Below are the complete details for the event, including dates, venues, seat types, and other important ticket information. Once you’ve reviewed everything, simply share your preferred ticket selection with us using the contact us form, and we’ll assist you with the process.

Please note: After receiving your request, we will first check live availability on the official platform. If the tickets are still available, we will try our best to secure them for you. If they are sold out, don’t worry — we can also provide tickets through trusted and verified resale marketplaces in Japan, ensuring you still get the seats you want.

Date	Venue	Seat Types
2026/05/03 (Sun) 09:30 Start	Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium (Hokkaido)	Half marathon entry
2026/05/03 (Sun) 09:50 Start	Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium (Hokkaido)	10km entry
2026/05/03 (Sun) 11:30 Start	Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium (Hokkaido)	5km entry

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Background

The “1st Pia Sapporo Toyohira River Half Marathon 2026” is a brand-new addition to Hokkaido’s running calendar, established to celebrate the arrival of the spring marathon season. Set for May 3, 2026, the event follows the scenic banks of the Toyohira River, a lifeline of Sapporo that offers runners a refreshing course lined with lush greenery and early-season blooms. As a “Pia” sponsored event, it integrates high-level race organization with a festive atmosphere, aiming to become a staple for both serious athletes looking for a personal best and casual runners enjoying the city’s natural beauty.

The race starts and finishes at the historic Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium, providing a grand stage for participants. This inaugural year is particularly significant as it marks the first time this specific half-marathon route—winding from the Olympic heritage of Makomanai Park through the heart of the city’s river trails—is being presented as a unified “Pia” series event. With over 15,000 expected participants across the half-marathon, 10km, and 5km categories, the event represents a collective “rebirth” of the local running community under a fresh, professional banner.

Venue Information

• Venue Name: Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium (Makomanai Open Stadium)
• Address: 3-1 Makomanaikoen, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0017, Japan
• Entry Gates Info: * Main Gate (Southwest): The primary entry point for athletes and spectators, located near the main parking area and administrative offices.
  • Park Entrance: Accessible via the pedestrian paths from Makomanai Park, ideal for those arriving by bus or on foot from the subway station.
• Nearby Landmarks: Located within the vast Makomanai Park, adjacent to the Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena, and near the Sapporo Salmon Museum.

FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for the 1st Pia Sapporo Toyohira River Half Marathon?

Participants must be in good health and able to complete their chosen distance within the time limits. While specific age groups vary by distance, generally the half marathon is open to high school students and older, while the 5km and 10km events often accommodate younger participants.

How do I reach the Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium on race day?

The stadium is located within Makomanai Park in Sapporo.¹ The most common way to arrive is via the Sapporo Municipal Subway Nanboku Line to Makomanai Station, followed by a roughly 20-minute walk or a short bus ride directly to the park grounds.

Is there a time limit for the Half Marathon and 10km races?

Yes, most Japanese road races enforce strict cutoff times for traffic management.² While specific cutoffs are detailed in the runner’s handbook, half marathons in this region typically have a time limit of around 2.5 to 3 hours from the starting gun.

What kind of support is provided to runners along the Toyohira River course?

The course features multiple water stations providing hydration and, in some sections, sports drinks. Medical staff and volunteers are stationed along the route, and the stadium finish area provides a post-race recovery zone for all participants.

Will I receive a record certificate or medal after finishing the race?

All finishers typically receive a digital or physical finisher’s certificate showing their official time. As this is the 1st edition of the Pia Sapporo Toyohira River Marathon, commemorative items like original towels or medals are often provided to mark the inaugural event.