Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, has increased the capacity for the full marathon at the 34th Fukuchiyama Marathon—scheduled for November 22, 2026—from 6,000 to 10,000 runners, as the number of applicants exceeded the original limit. Officials believe the decision to schedule the event on the middle day of a long weekend for the first time contributed to this success. Applications are open until September 20.
According to the city, 7,249 people had signed up for the full marathon as of September 8, surpassing the previous year's final entry count by 560.
While the number of applicants had dropped to the 3,000 range following the COVID-19 pandemic, it recovered to the 6,000 range last year thanks to efforts by the city and the organizing committee to improve the event and modify the course. This year, they changed the long-standing race date to make participation more convenient.
With applications exceeding the initial limit, the city raised the capacity to 10,000—the first time it has reached this figure in four events. Due to the strong response, there will be no last-minute registration. The city is also recruiting volunteers to support the event with tasks such as course management, water stations, and the presentation of finisher medals. "We want to work together to create an event where runners feel glad they chose to run in Fukuchiyama," a city official said.
Applications are being accepted via a dedicated website. Volunteer recruitment runs until September 30.
