The Nagoya Women’s Marathon, run each year on a Sunday in early March, is recognised as the world’s largest women-only marathon, bringing some 20,000 runners from around the globe onto a flat, fast course that loops from Nagoya Dome past Nagoya Castle, the Sakae skyline and the city’s broad avenues. The race is famous for its finisher’s reward — an exclusive Tiffany & Co. pendant handed over by tuxedoed presenters — and for the city-wide festival mood, with cheering squads, taiko teams and a running expo that make marathon weekend one of Nagoya’s liveliest.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nagoya (start/finish: Vantelin Dome), Aichi |
| Hours | Race Sunday morning, early March |
| Admission | Free to spectate; entry by application/lottery |
| Time needed | Race day, or expo weekend |
| Best time | Early March |
What to Do
- 20,000 runners in the world’s largest women-only marathon.
- A course looping past Nagoya Castle and the Sakae skyline.
- The famous Tiffany pendant finish, presented in tuxedos.
- Cheering squads, taiko and the pre-race running expo.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine spectating with Nagoya Castle along the course.
- Pair with a recovery feast of Nagoya meshi .
- Read our Aichi overview .
Getting There
- By subway: Nagoya Dome-mae Yada Station for the start/finish; course viewable across central subway stops.
- Entering: international entries open the previous autumn and sell out — apply early.
Tips
Runners should enter through the official international portal as soon as autumn entries open — places go fast, and the entry includes the expo and finisher pendant that make this race a bucket-list favourite. Spectators get the best of the day around the castle stretch mid-morning, then can beat runners to the dome by subway for the emotional finishes.
