The Yokohama Marathon was born out of an attempt to respond to the voice of local citizens.
Today, full marathon races are held in many cities throughout the country.
At the time, however, a marathon event itself was a rarity and it was marathon lovers’ ardent desire to have a full marathon race in their city in which anyone could participate.
To make this dream come true, a group led by local amateur marathoners launched a signature-collecting campaign 34 years ago.
The number of signatures they collected exceeded 100,000.
The following year, the Yokohama Marathon took place with a course set in the center of the city.
The first Yokohama Marathon in 1981 consisted of two events – 10-km and 20-km races.
1992 (12th Yokohama Marathon) The 20-km event was transformed into a half marathon race.
1997 (17th Yokohama Marathon) A wheelchair half marathon race was conducted.
1998 (18th Yokohama Marathon) A 10-km wheelchair race was conducted.
2007 (27th Yokohama Marathon) The course for the half marathon race was officially approved by the Japan Association of Athletic Federation.
2011 (31st Yokohama Marathon) A 12.7-km wheelchair race was conducted.
Total number of runners who participated (1st to 33rd Yokohama Marathons) 215,052
And, finally, the Yokohama Marathon will feature a full marathon race in 2015.
Here comes the excitement of a full marathon, a long-awaited event for many marathon enthusiasts!

Information and photos provided by: Yokohama Marathon Organizing Committee Administrative Office / Researched and written and photos provided by: Reiko Serizawa (Yokohama Sports Association)

1. Starting line (Minato Mirai District)

The race starts in the Minato Mirai District. It is really overwhelming to see 25,000 or so runners filling the streets in this district, the symbolic place of Yokohama. The scene of runners clad in many different colors is sure to become a new attraction of the city.

2. Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market – Minato Mirai District

After heading up north from the starting line, you will loop back to the south toward the Minato Mirai District. With no tall building blocking the view, here is a great viewing point overlooking the panorama of the Minato Mirai District ahead.

3. Kannai and Yamashita Districts

Since the opening of Yokohama Port, the Kannai and Yamashita Districts have played a central role in the city.
You will run southward along the coastline studded with a number of famous sightseeing spots of Yokohama, including the Yokohama Three Towers, Nihon Odori Street, Yokohama Stadium and China Town.
The Yokohama Three Towers refer to the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall and Yokohama Customs Office. Legend has it that foreign sailormen would go to the Yokohama Three Towers to wish for the safety of navigation.
As you approach Yamashita Park, landmarks such as the Marine Tower and Hikawa Maru ocean liner will loom into view as if to cheer you up.

　

　

4. Route 357

With the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway Bayside Line running above, this part of the course is an all-weather marathon road, keeping the conditions the same whether it is shining or raining.

5. Nanbu Market

Located at the halfway point of the marathon course, the Nanbu Market in Torihama-cho, Kanazawa Ward, is one of the three major branches of the Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market. It is a historic market opened in 1973.
You may have an unexpected encounter with delicacies that can be tasted only in a market.
Get some energy for the last half of the race!

　

6. Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway Bayside Line

Expressway users normally view this scenery while driving at high speeds. You will enter the Bayside Line of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway from the Sugita Interchange, the only part of this race’s course that has ups and downs, and you will get a panoramic view of the Minato Mirai District and Yokohama Port with the Yokohama Bay Bridge – a landscape that you have never seen before. It will be great fun to run through the bayside area in a sea breeze!

　

7. Finish line (Minato Mirai District)

The finish line of the 42.195-km marathon course is located in the Minato Mirai District in the center of the city. If you run past an array of red-brick warehouses and see the Ferris wheel of the Yokohama Cosmo World, the goal is close.
You can enjoy Yokohama with family and friends not only while running but also before and after the race. Once you cross the finish line, the liberating landscape of the familiar port town of Yokohama is sure to become even more special for you.

　

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