Biwako Marathon

The Biwako Marathon is a major annual full-distance marathon (42.195 km) held along the scenic shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The race typically starts at Ōji-yama Athletic Stadium in Ōtsu City and finishes on the Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu City, with a beautiful flat course that appeals to both competitive runners and enthusiastic first-timers alike. 

Originally inspired by the historic Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, one of Japan’s longest-running marathon traditions, the Biwako Marathon launched in 2023 and continues to carry forward that legacy with mass participation and a focus on community engagement and running enjoyment.