Kanazawa Marathon

The Kanazawa Marathon offers a dynamic and scenic course through one of Japan’s most culturally rich cities. Starting at Hirosaka-dori and finishing at Ishikawa’s West Green Park athletic stadium, the 42.195 km course winds through seven distinct zones—each revealing a different face of Kanazawa. Runners pass through historic sites like Kenrokuen Garden and the gates of Kanazawa Castle, cross modern viaducts normally reserved for vehicles, and are cheered on by student volunteers from local universities. With a 6-hour cutoff and strong local support, the race is accessible to both competitive and recreational runners. Along the route, participants can sample regional delicacies from Ishikawa and Kanazawa—fuel with flavor while racing one of Japan’s most immersive urban marathons.