Autumn leaves, early morning

The race offers all runners a superb view of Mt. Fuji and is hosted at Lake Kawaguchi, one of Japan’s leading resort areas. You can enjoy the view of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site from various points along the course while running. There is a beautiful contrast between Lake Kawaguchi and the autumn leaves all around.

In 2012 the Kawaguchiko Nikkan Sports Marathon changed its name to the Mount Fuji International Marathon. It will be held in 2023 for the 38th time. The re-naming targeted a new goal of being “the world’s best resort entertainment marathon,” with outstanding scenery and entertainment and becoming an international tourist destination different from urban marathons. Runners are welcomed again this year with a course around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko, part of the World Heritage Site.

In the past the Mount Fuji International Marathon was known as “the world’s most beautiful course”. Taken together Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Saiko offer a magnificent view, popular with overseas runners. Enjoy the majestic scenery to your heart’s content. Volunteers from Kawaguchiko turn out in the early morning support the event. Another pleasure of the race is to feel the warmth of the local people in addition to the beautiful scenery. The Mount Fuji marathon course is also assigned “Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park” to protect the natural environment and preserve the scenery.

Anyone over the age of 18 can enter the Mount Fuji International Marathon. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis but there are reserved entry slots for overseas runners.

The full Marathon and One Lap Lake Kawaguchi Race have self-standing finishers’ medals. In contrast the Charity Fun Run has a lovely Mount Fuji design inspired by traditional Japanese “wa” motifs. Funds raised by the race will be donated to the “Mount Fuji World Heritage Site Preservation Promotion Fund” for the conservation, protection, and maintenance of the World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji.

Entry details of the three different events from which runners can choose are as follows:

Marathon (42.195km), 4000 runner limit

• Entrants should be able to complete the race within 6 hours
• 18 years of age or older.
• Certified by JAAF, AIMS and World Athletics.
• Entry fee of 25,000 JPY (USD 185)
• Time limit of 6 hours (including several cut-off points)

Charity Fun Run (about 11km), 1500 runner limit

• Age 12 or older
• 20,000 JPY (USD 145)
• Time limit of 3 hours

Around KAWAGUCHIKO (about 29km), 2500 runner limit

• Age 16 or older
• 10,000 JPY (USD 73)
• Time limit of 6 hours (include several cut-off points)