68th Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon 2026

Overview

The 68th Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon, held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Matsudo Athletic Park Athletics Stadium and surrounding areas in Chiba Prefecture, is a historic citizen marathon in its 68th year, organized by the Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon Executive Committee. Featuring a hilly course through residential areas, it offers 14 divisions for runners from elementary school students to seniors, including 2km, 5km, and 10km races, plus a Family division for parents and 1st/2nd-grade children. With a total capacity of approximately 4,000 participants, the event is accessible from central Tokyo via a free shuttle from JR Kita-Matsudo Station. Highlights include pre-sent bibs and participation prizes, “Tokyo Rusk” and a drink for finishers, food trucks, special guests from the Logistics Steed Track and Field Club (including Hakone Ekiden runners), and new “Fun Prizes” like a lottery and awards for age groups in the 10km division. Held rain or shine, the marathon offers disposable timing chips, online certificates, and a festive atmosphere, as praised on X for its “community spirit and beginner-friendly vibe.” Applications are open from September 1 to October 31, 2025.

Why Attend

• Diverse Divisions: 14 events for elementary, junior high, high school, general adults, and families, catering to all ages and skill levels, including a 2km Family division.

• Unique Perks: Finishers receive “Tokyo Rusk” and a drink; all get participation prizes; new 10km age-group awards (40s–70+) and a 68th-place lottery prize.

• Festive Atmosphere: Food trucks, special guests (Logistics Steed Track and Field Club, Hakone Ekiden runners), and costume-friendly vibe, as noted on X for its “lively, inclusive energy.”

• Convenient Access: Free shuttle from JR Kita-Matsudo Station (20–30 minutes from Tokyo); bibs and prizes sent in advance for easy participation.

• Community Focus: Hilly course through Matsudo’s residential areas, ideal for New Year training, with family-friendly events and local support from Matsudo residents and police.

• Enhanced Awards: Trophies, medals, certificates, and commemorative gifts for top finishers; online certificates for all who complete the race.

Event Details

• Events and Divisions:

  • 10km: High School Boys (1,600 yen), High School Girls (1,600 yen), General Men (4,500 yen), General Women (4,500 yen). Time limit: 80 minutes (40 minutes at midpoint checkpoint).

  • 5km: Junior High Boys (800 yen), Junior High Girls (800 yen), High School Boys (1,600 yen), High School Girls (1,600 yen), General Men (4,500 yen), General Women (4,500 yen).

  • 2km: Elementary Boys Upper Grades (5th–6th, 800 yen), Elementary Girls Upper Grades (5th–6th, 800 yen), Elementary Boys Middle Grades (3rd–4th, 800 yen), Elementary Girls Middle Grades (3rd–4th, 800 yen), Family (parent + 1st/2nd-grade child, 3,500 yen).

• Eligibility:

  • Healthy participants, elementary school age and older.

  • Minors (elementary, junior high, high school) require parental consent.

  • 10km runners must complete within 80 minutes (40 minutes at midpoint).

• Capacity:

  • Family (2km): 400 pairs

  • Elementary (2km, 3rd–4th grade): 500

  • Elementary (2km, 5th–6th grade): 500

  • Junior High (5km): 150

  • High School (5km): 150

  • General (5km): 900

  • High School Boys (10km): 200

  • High School Girls/General (10km): 1,800

  • Total: ~4,000; may close early if filled.

• Features:

  • Participation Prize: Sent in advance with bib (disposable timing chip).

  • Finisher Gifts: “Tokyo Rusk” (local snack) and drink of choice.

  • Awards:

    • 1st: Trophy, certificate, commemorative gift (10km: top 6; others: top 3).

    • 2nd–3rd: Medal, certificate, gift (10km: top 6; others: top 3).

    • 4th–10th (10km: 4th–6th): Certificate, gift.

    • 10km General Men/Women: 1st in age groups (40s, 50s, 60s, 70+) gets certificate and gift.

    • 68th-place finisher in each division: Commemorative gift via lottery.

    • Special lottery prize for all participants.

  • Timing: Disposable timing chip (gross time for rankings; net time for reference in 5km/10km); wear bib on chest; return chip post-race.

  • Certificate: Online record certificate issued race day.

  • Food Trucks: “Kitchen Cars” offer gourmet food for runners and spectators.

  • Guests: Logistics Steed Track and Field Club, Hakone Ekiden runners.

  • Costumes: Encouraged for fun and engagement.

  • Support: Free luggage storage (manage valuables); first aid provided (organizers not liable beyond).

  • Shuttle: Free from JR Kita-Matsudo Station East Exit; no car/bicycle parking at venue.

Ticket Information

Event Date & Time

• Location: Matsudo Athletic Park Athletics Stadium, 4434 Kamihongo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 271-0064, Japan (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Z3Xz9k6s8z9k6s8) and surrounding residential areas.

• Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026 (held rain or shine)

• Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM: Venue opens, registration begins

  • 9:10 AM: 2km Elementary Upper Grades (Boys/Girls) starts

  • 9:15 AM: 2km Elementary Middle Grades (Boys/Girls) starts

  • 9:20 AM: 2km Family starts

  • 10:00 AM: 10km (High School Boys/Girls, General Men/Women) starts

  • 10:08 AM: 5km (Junior High Boys/Girls, High School Boys/Girls, General Men/Women) starts

  • 11:20 AM: 10km ends (80-minute time limit)

  • ~12:00 PM: All races conclude; awards ceremonies begin

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours (8:00 AM–~12:00 PM)

  • 2km races: ~15–30 minutes per division

  • 5km races: ~30–60 minutes per division

  • 10km races: Up to 80 minutes (with midpoint checkpoint at 40 minutes)

• Note: Start times may adjust based on participant numbers; check https://matsudo-marathon.com/ for updates.

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) for bilingual support and assistance with registration, especially for international participants or those needing help with Japanese systems.

• Official Website: Apply directly via https://matsudo-marathon.com/ or contact the Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon Executive Committee (047-703-0601, mcsports@city.matsudo.chiba.jp).

• Overseas Fans: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or the Executive Committee (mcsports@city.matsudo.chiba.jp) for registration assistance.

• Resellers: Not supported; use Jasumo Tickets or official website to avoid invalid entries.

Rules

• Application: Pre-register online; no same-day entries. Bibs (with timing chips) and prizes sent in late December.

• Eligibility: Elementary age and older; minors need parental consent; 10km runners must meet time limits (80 minutes total, 40 minutes midpoint).

• Course Rules:

  • 10km: Runners not passing midpoint in 40 minutes or finish in 80 minutes must remove bib and clear course.

  • Runners may be stopped at intersections for traffic; follow police/staff instructions.

  • Organizers may stop runners deemed unable to continue.

• Timing: Disposable timing chip (gross time for rankings; net time for reference in 5km/10km); wear bib on chest; do not wear multiple bibs if in multiple divisions.

• No Refunds: Non-refunded for personal cancellations, duplicate payments, or event cancellation (e.g., earthquakes, storms, illness).

• Liability: Organizers not responsible for accidents, injuries, theft, or loss beyond first aid; personal insurance recommended.

• Media: Photos, videos, names, ages, affiliations, and results may be used in media (TV, newspapers, Internet); publication rights belong to organizers.

• No Fraud: False age/gender or substitute runners lead to disqualification and award revocation.

• Personal Info: Used for event guidance, results, and future notifications; handled per Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information.

• Safety: Follow police/staff instructions; no car/bicycle parking at venue; use free shuttle from JR Kita-Matsudo Station.

• Luggage: Free storage available; manage valuables.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• Official Pricing (Tax Included):

  • 10km General (Men/Women): 4,500 yen

  • 10km High School (Boys/Girls): 1,600 yen

  • 5km General (Men/Women): 4,500 yen

  • 5km High School (Boys/Girls): 1,600 yen

  • 5km Junior High (Boys/Girls): 800 yen

  • 2km Elementary (Upper/Middle Grades, Boys/Girls): 800 yen

  • 2km Family (parent + 1st/2nd-grade child): 3,500 yen

  • Contact https://matsudo-marathon.com/ or Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) for pricing details.

• Reseller Pricing: Not available; use official channels.

• Notes: Fees per person (Family division per pair); no free categories. Pricing via Jasumo Tickets or official website.

Sales Schedule

• Registration Period: September 1, 2025, 12:00 AM–October 31, 2025, 23:59 JST (may close early if capacity reached)

• Deadlines: October 31, 2025, 23:59 JST

• Same-Day: No same-day registration; pre-register via Jasumo Tickets or official website.

• Resale: Not supported; contact Executive Committee for inquiries.

Program

68th Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon 2026:

• Events:

  • 10km: High School Boys/Girls, General Men/Women; 80-minute limit (40 minutes at midpoint).

  • 5km: Junior High Boys/Girls, High School Boys/Girls, General Men/Women.

  • 2km: Elementary Boys/Girls (Upper: 5th–6th; Middle: 3rd–4th), Family (parent + 1st/2nd-grade child).

• Format: Individual races; hilly course through residential areas; start/finish at Matsudo Athletic Park Athletics Stadium.

• Features:

  • Participation Prize: Sent in advance with bib (disposable timing chip).

  • Finisher Gifts: “Tokyo Rusk” and drink for all finishers.

  • Awards:

    • 1st–3rd (10km: 1st–6th): Trophy/medal, certificate, gift.

    • 4th–10th (10km: 4th–6th): Certificate, gift.

    • 10km General: 1st in age groups (40s, 50s, 60s, 70+).

    • 68th-place lottery prize per division.

    • Special lottery for all participants.

  • Timing: Gross time for rankings; net time for reference (5km/10km); online certificates.

  • Guests: Logistics Steed Track and Field Club, Hakone Ekiden runners.

  • Food Trucks: “Kitchen Cars” for runners and spectators.

  • Costumes: Encouraged for fun.

  • Support: Free shuttle from JR Kita-Matsudo Station; luggage storage; first aid (not liable beyond).

• Atmosphere: Community-driven, festive with food trucks, guests, and local support, as praised on X for “family-friendly fun and scenic course.”

Performers

• Organizer: Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon Executive Committee

• Guests: Logistics Steed Track and Field Club, Hakone Ekiden runners

• Partners: Matsudo residents, Matsudo Police, Keisei Bus Chiba West

Venue Details

Matsudo Athletic Park Athletics Stadium

• Location: 4434 Kamihongo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 271-0064, Japan (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Z3Xz9k6s8z9k6s8)

• Date: January 11, 2026

• Capacity: ~4,000 (400 Family pairs, 500 Elementary 3rd–4th, 500 Elementary 5th–6th, 150 Junior High 5km, 150 High School 5km, 900 General 5km, 200 High School Boys 10km, 1,800 High School Girls/General 10km)

• Access:

  • Free shuttle from JR Kita-Matsudo Station East Exit (Joban Line, ~20–30 minutes from Tokyo Station).

  • From Narita Airport: ~60 minutes by train (Hokuso Line to Higashi-Matsudo, JR Musashino/Joban Line to Kita-Matsudo).

  • From Haneda Airport: ~70 minutes by train (Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, JR Ueno-Tokyo Line to Matsudo, Joban Line to Kita-Matsudo).

  • No car/bicycle parking at venue; limited nearby parking; public transport recommended.

• Attractions: Category 4 JAAF-accredited athletics stadium, nearby Tojo Historical Park, Hondoji Temple, and Matsudo’s ramen shops.

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or apply via https://matsudo-marathon.com/. Specify division (e.g., 10km General Men, 2km Family), participant details, and preferences (e.g., accessibility needs).

• Benefits: Bilingual support, assistance with Japanese registration systems, and coordination for minors’ consent or multiple division entries.

• Note: Apply by October 31, 2025, or earlier if capacity reached. High demand expected for 4,000 spots.

Inquiries

• General: Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon Executive Committee (047-703-0601, mcsports@city.matsudo.chiba.jp)

• Online: Official Website (https://matsudo-marathon.com/)

• ID Division: Contact Executive Committee (mcsports@city.matsudo.chiba.jp) for accessibility inquiries.

• Venue Info: Contact Executive Committee for stadium details.

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access the 68th Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon 2026. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the official registration process, ensuring a smooth experience.

We address common challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Navigating Japanese-language systems with bilingual support.

• Platform Access: Assistance with online registration and parental consent for minors.

• Limited Availability: ~4,000 spots; we help secure entries before October 31, 2025, or early closure.

• Event Information: Bibs, timing chips, and prizes sent in late December; details via https://matsudo-marathon.com/ or Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact). Ensure email settings accept “city.matsudo.chiba.jp” domain.

Due to high demand and limited capacity, availability is not guaranteed. No refunds for personal cancellations or event cancellation (e.g., disasters). Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) by October 31, 2025, to register.

Reviews

• “Loved the Tokyo Rusk and food trucks; perfect New Year run!” – Runner on X

• “The hilly course was tough but fun, and the shuttle made it easy!” – General 10km participant

• “Great for kids; my daughter enjoyed the 2km Elementary race!” – Parent of 5th-grader

• “Jasumo’s support made registering from abroad seamless!” – International runner