Toda Marathon in Saiko

The Toda Marathon is one of Saitama Prefecture's most popular community road races, taking place each autumn along the scenic banks of the Arakawa River in Toda City, Japan. Organized by the Toda Marathon Executive Committee in cooperation with the Toda City Sports Association and Toda City, the event welcomes thousands of runners ranging from elite competitors to first-time participants and families. The race features multiple distances—including the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and shorter fun runs—making it an accessible event for runners of all abilities. Its riverside setting offers wide paved paths, relatively flat terrain, and expansive views of the Arakawa floodplain, creating an enjoyable course just outside central Tokyo.

The half marathon is the marquee event and is especially popular among runners seeking a fast late-autumn race before the winter marathon season. Participants run almost entirely along the Arakawa River cycling and running paths, benefiting from a traffic-free course with excellent spectator access and efficient race logistics. While the course is generally flat and conducive to personal bests, weather and river winds can provide an added challenge. Combined with enthusiastic local volunteers, plentiful aid stations, and the welcoming atmosphere of Toda City, the Toda Marathon has become a favorite among runners in the Greater Tokyo region looking for a well-organized and conveniently located autumn race.