Hokkaido Marathon

The Hokkaido Marathon, the only full marathon held in Japan during the summer, began in 1987 with just 439 participants. This year marks its 38th anniversary and has grown to accommodate 20,000 runners for the full marathon alone. Many Japanese elite athletes train here to prepare for hot-weather races like the Olympics and World Championships, making it a dream venue for citizen runners to compete alongside top-class athletes. The main event takes place in Odori Park, the heart of Sapporo city. A renowned tourist attraction and the venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori Park’s start and finish lines are conveniently located, easily accessible from hotels. Beyond the marathon, Hokkaido offers a plethora of food and sightseeing attractions. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, meat, vegetables and more, immersing themselves in the region’s natural bounty. Beautiful nature and hot springs are also just a short trip from Sapporo city. Summer is the ideal time to experience Hokkaido’s distinctive scenery. The humidity-free climate is refreshing, with vibrant plants and flowers basking in the bright sunlight. The contrast of colourful blooms and lush greenery against the azure sky creates a truly captivating scene.