Course Map
Route based on 2024 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Lake Biwa Marathon was for decades Japan's oldest and most prestigious elite men's marathon, a lightning-fast course along the shores of the country's largest lake near Otsu that produced a long lineage of national records. The route was flat, precise, and built purely for speed, with strict qualifying standards that kept the field sharp and the times remarkably deep. Run in late winter under cool, still conditions, it was a connoisseur's race rather than a traditional mass-participation event. Its final standalone elite edition took place in 2021, after which its competitive legacy was effectively absorbed into the Osaka Marathon. However, the spirit of the historic race did not disappear from Shiga Prefecture. In the wake of this merger, a new chapter began on the same shores as the event was reimagined into the fully inclusive Biwako Marathon. Retaining the signature flat, high-speed traits of its predecessor, the modern iteration opened the legendary course to thousands of general runners of all skill levels, successfully transforming a hyper-exclusive time trial into a massive celebration of community and regional pride. It remains a touchstone of Japanese distance-running history, remembered both as a historic proving ground for the fastest in the country and celebrated today as an accessible bucket-list race for the everyday marathoner.
Course Insight
A flat, fast course on the shore of a great lake, this is a historic stage of Japanese distance running, smooth and built for quick times with little to interrupt a steady cadence. The level lakeside terrain offers no enforced discipline, so the patience is yours to supply. Cool early-spring air suits fast running, though the open water's edge can carry wind. There are few obstacles by design. Run it as an even-effort time trial and the flatness rewards the restraint.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 95m
- Elevation loss
- 85m
- Highest point
- 83m
- Lowest point
- 22m
- Net drop
- 2m
- Start
- Otsu, Shiga
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
Race History
The Lake Biwa Marathon, first held in 1946 as a descendant of the Mainichi Marathon, was for decades Japan's oldest marathon and its most prestigious elite men's race. Run on a lightning-fast course along the shores of the country's largest lake, it produced a long lineage of national records under strict qualifying standards. Its final standalone edition took place in 2021, after which its elite role was absorbed into the Osaka Marathon. It remains a touchstone of Japanese distance-running history, remembered as a pure time trial for the nation's best.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Osaka Itami (ITM) and Kansai (KIX)
- Best area to stay
- Central Otsu for proximity to the lakeside course, Kyoto for atmospheric stays a short train ride away, and Osaka for big-city hotels within easy reach.
- Getting to the start
- The start is by the lake in Otsu; take a JR train to Ōtsu or Zeze and walk to the lakeside start.