A dramatic stage

During this time a lot of promising and great athletes have appeared in Osaka Women’s Marathon. This race is a big target and a dream for elite athletes. The 43rd race is certified as one of Japan’s Marathon Grand Championship series which leads to the qualifying trial for the Paris Olympic Games Marathon in 2024.

Qualifying for the Osaka Women’s Marathon has always been a point of pride not just for the elites but for high-level amateurs across Japan and worldwide.

Current qualifying standards are as follows:
Marathon: under 3 hours 07 minutes.
30km Road Race: under 2 hour 08 minutes.
Half Marathon: under 1 hour 25 minutes.
10km Road Race: under 36 minutes.

The race starts and finishes at the Yanmar Stadium Nagai, where numerous international races are hosted such as the 2007 World Athletics Championships. The course covers the most scenic and historic area of Osaka City. After leaving the Stadium runners make their way northward to Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous and historic castles. Runners then pass under beautiful ginkgo trees along Midosuji street, the main street of Osaka. The course is mostly flat, with little change in elevation, and protected from the wind by buildings and trees.

The Osaka Half Marathon, open to both genders, is held on the same day as the Osaka Women’s Marathon. Osaka Half Marathon is characterized by its adherence to strict time limits (2 hours 5 minutes) and its unique course layout which allows participants to cross paths with runners in the Osaka Women’s Marathon. This makes the race more attractive for both sets of runners.

Athletes, spectators and the streets of the city of Osaka are all united to create a dramatic stage which generates great records and athletes. We are hoping and expecting to see more athletes from Osaka Women’s Marathon make their way onto the world stage.