Osaka

Racing it

1. 01

   Almost No Hills

   The course is flat, with only 40 m of total climb across the whole marathon. There is no climb worth saving energy for, so even splits from the gun are realistic.

   From the elevation profile

2. 02

   Start and Finish Are Apart

   This is a point-to-point route: it starts in front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Building and ends inside Osaka Castle Park. Plan your trip to the start and a meeting spot at the castle finish, not the start area.

   From the layout

3. 03

   Cold February Start

   Race-day temperatures typically sit around 7.6C. Expect a chilly wait in the start area, so wear throwaway layers and keep gloves on until you are moving and warm.

   From the temperature

4. 04

   Wide Streets, Big Crowds

   The route uses wide city streets with energetic crowd support and is described as suited to both first-timers and fast times. Use the width to settle into your pace early instead of weaving.

   From the description

5. 05

   Ballot Entry

   Entry to the Osaka Marathon is by ballot, so plan your application well ahead of the race and have your travel dates flexible in case you need to try again another year.

   From the entry

In Osaka

• Getting Around

  Osaka's subway and rail network is the easy way to the start and back from Osaka Castle Park, but trains are packed on race morning, so leave extra time and buy your ticket early.

• Where to Watch

  Spectators get good views along the wide central streets and in Osaka Castle Park near the finish. The Nakanoshima river area and Dotonbori are also handy, lively spots to catch runners.

• Eat, Then Recover

  Osaka is a food city: takoyaki and okonomiyaki are the local staples, and the Dotonbori and Shinsekai districts are the classic places to walk and eat after the race.