Kobe Marathon “Finish first” starts accepting runners, gun on 15th

Registration for runners to participate in the Kobe Marathon 2026 (sponsored by Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, etc., co-sponsored by Asahi Shimbun, etc.), which will be held on the 15th, began on the 13th at the Kobe International Exhibition Center in Chuo Ward, Kobe City. Until 7pm on the 14th.

The event was started in 2011 to show gratitude for the reconstruction assistance following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and this year marks the 14th time. The course has been changed since the last race, and there are fewer elevation differences.

Yoshimi Yoshikawa (58), an office worker from Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, who received her bib at the reception, said, ``I originally worked as a water volunteer, but I also wanted to run and have participated several times.This time I want to complete the race in about five hours.'' Yukihiro Obata (57), a real estate agent from Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is participating for the fourth time. "This is my first time since the course was changed. I want to aim to finish the race first," he said.

The race will start at 9 a.m. on the 15th, with 20,000 runners participating. The time limit is 7 hours. There will be extensive traffic restrictions on the course and surrounding roads.