A relatively small prefecture located at the southeastern corner of the Kantō Plain, Japan's Kanagawa is nestled between Tokyo on the north, the foothills of Mount Fuji on the northwest, and the Sagami Bay and Tokyo Bay on the south and east. But don't overlook this marathon—with an anticipated total of 24,000 participants, you can be sure that this JAAF-certified race is well-organised as it is popular.

Taking place on Sunday, 6 December 2015, the mega running event will be expecting a staggering 19,000 Full Marathoners, 500 elite Half Marathoners and 4,000 10km participants. The 10km category specially caters not only to general men and women runners, but also wheelchair participants, the visually impaired, mentally impaired and transplant recipients. There will also be a Family Fun Run, but that is not open to international applicants.

Whatever the distance you opt to run, you can expect to feel the kilometres go by quickly as there is much to see en route. The race roads are lined with spectators, dancers, cheerleaders and even cos-players. Runners, too, add to the visual excitement and festive cheer with colourful and creative costumes.

All participants in the various categories will flag off at the Seisho Bypass Oiso West IC, a toll road in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. They will then experience the beautiful scenery as they pass through Tagohara, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Full and Half Marathoners will then divert to Hiratsuka Beach, Yanagishima and Chigasaki Beach, before U-turning back and finishing at Oiso Prince Hotel, situated on a pristine beachfront overlooking the sapphire blue Pacific Ocean.

Overall awards will be given to the top six in every race category, while the top three full marathoners in each age-category will also be awarded.

Sign Up

Registration just opened on 31 May 2015. The first 200 international applicants in three aforementioned categories will be accepted. Entry fees are going for 12,500 JPY for the Full Marathon, 8,500 JPY for the Half Marathon, and 6,500 JPY for the the 10km event.

All entry fees include a 500 JPY donation to a choice of one out of ten charitable associations. These organisations are directed towards various reconstruction efforts and assistance programmes in wake of the Great East Japan earthquake five years ago. Race packages include the race programme, number bib, tracking chips and race T-shirt. International entrants can pick up their race packs on race day.

Register online at the 10^th Shonan International Marathon official website.