About 30,000 typically participate in the Yokohama Marathon, a major annual event that winds through the city’s iconic waterfront districts. Runners have the option of the full marathon or a “1/7” 6km short course, while competitors in wheelchairs also have the option of a 2km course. About 500 places are normally reserved for international entrants, which can be applied for through a dedicated portal on the official Yokohama Marathon website (see below).
A unique logistical feature of this course is the section that takes runners onto the Shuto Expressway. Spectators should be aware that this specific highway stretch is a “no-spectator zone” for safety reasons; supporters must remain at the street-level portions of the route to cheer. Accessing the start line at Pacifico Yokohama is most reliable via the Minatomirai Line, as extensive road closures often disrupt local bus and taxi services throughout the morning.