The Saku.AC Makomanai Marathon is a fast-growing autumn road race held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, centered around the historic Makomanai Park and the surrounding streets of southern Sapporo. Organized by the Saku.AC Makomanai Marathon Executive Committee, the event was created by the renowned Japanese running club Saku Athletics Club (Saku.AC) to provide runners with a high-quality, professionally managed marathon experience in one of Japan's premier distance running regions. Featuring a full marathon as its flagship event alongside shorter races, the marathon is known for its cool Hokkaido autumn temperatures, smooth road surfaces, and excellent race organization. The course combines tree-lined city streets with the spacious grounds of Makomanai Park, a venue originally developed for the 1972 Winter Olympics, offering runners a scenic and memorable racing environment.
The marathon has quickly earned a reputation for being an ideal autumn goal race thanks to its favorable weather, well-supported aid stations, and competitive yet welcoming atmosphere. Participants enjoy crisp October conditions, beautiful fall foliage, and the hospitality for which Hokkaido is famous. The relatively flat layout makes the course suitable for runners targeting personal bests while also providing an enjoyable experience for first-time marathoners. Combined with Sapporo's outstanding food scene, convenient transportation, and nearby sightseeing opportunities, the Saku.AC Makomanai Marathon has become an attractive destination race for both domestic and international runners looking to experience marathon running in Japan's northernmost island. X (formerly Twitter)