2026.08.23 Seasonal Events & Festivals

Run the Abukuma River in Autumn — The 39th Abukuma Riverside Marathon, November 1 (Entries Close September 4)

Kakuda's signature autumn race, the Abukuma Riverside Marathon, reaches its 39th running on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The venue is the Kakuda City Athletic Stadium inside Kakuda Sports Village — about a 10-minute drive from MARUKI Saifuku, here in the same city.

As the name suggests, the course runs along the embankment of the Abukuma River, with harvested rice paddies on one side and the water on the other — an autumn day that could only happen here. Distances range from 10km, 5km, 3km and 2km to a 1.5km parent-and-child course, plus a 3km fitness course and a 7km walking course. With that spread, each member of a family can enter a different event.

The walking course sets off at 10:00 AM, with the remaining events starting in staggered waves; the 10km begins at 11:25 AM. Entries are accepted via RUNNET until 11:59 PM on Friday, September 4. The race is held rain or shine.

For those travelling from further afield: we still have availability on both Saturday, October 31 (the night before) and Sunday, November 1 (race day) — as of August 23, 2026. The whole house is yours alone, so a group of running friends, or a family with supporters in tow, can settle in without concern for other guests.

Stay the night before and race morning is a ten-minute drive — no pre-dawn start, no motorway, and bib numbers and kit laid out calmly the evening before. Stay on race night and you can ease your legs in the bath the moment you finish, then celebrate over dinner in the old farmhouse. Check-out is 10:00 AM the following morning, so the day after is unhurried too. The evening here, in a quiet house in the old town centre, is yours to talk away without watching the clock.

Please note that rates from November through March include the heating charge — there is nothing extra to pay on arrival. Rest your legs in a warm room after the race.

Event:
The 39th Abukuma Riverside Marathon
Date:
Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM (held rain or shine)
Venue:
Kakuda City Athletic Stadium, Kakuda Sports Village (155-31 Aoki, Edano, Kakuda City, Miyagi)
Distances:
10km / 5km / 3km / 2km / 1.5km parent-and-child / 3km fitness / 7km walking
Start times:
Walking 10:00 / 1.5km 10:10 & 10:20 / 2km 10:30 / 3km 10:45 & 10:55 / 5km 11:00 / 10km 11:25 / 3km fitness 11:30
Entry fee:
10km, 5km, 1.5km parent-and-child 4,000 yen each / 3km fitness & 7km walking 2,500 yen (1,500 yen for junior high age and under) / 3km & 2km 1,500 yen each. A separate booking fee applies.
Entries:
July 1 – September 4, 2026 (11:59 PM), via RUNNET
Organisers:
Kakuda City; Kakuda City Board of Education; Kakuda Sports Village Management Consortium; Kakuda City Sports Association
Enquiries:
Abukuma Riverside Marathon Executive Committee Office, 0224-63-3771 (Japanese)
From MARUKI Saifuku:
About a 10-minute drive

Source / latest information: Abukuma Riverside Marathon official website | Entry information (Japanese). Events, fees and schedule are subject to change — please check the official site before entering.

Planning your stay

MARUKI Saifuku is a 100-year-old townhouse in central Kakuda, rented out as a whole house to a single group. Check-in from 3:00 PM, check-out at 10:00 AM the next morning — with plenty of time on either side of your day out.

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