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Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon

18th Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon Event Overview

Date

 July 5, 2026

 The race will take place regardless of the weather.​          

 

Schedule

 Entry Period: February 12 (Thu) – May 20 (Wed)             

 Pre-Race Check-in: July 4 (Sat), 15:00–17:00

 

Entry Capacity

 Maximum Participants: 3,000 runners (Entries accepted on a first-come, first-served basis)​              

 

 For details on race entry, courses, and categories, please visit the official Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon website.​​​​

Important Information for International Participants

 

Please note that the area surrounding the race venue is very rural. There are no convenience stores, supermarkets, or restaurants within walking distance of the venue. If you require snacks or light meals, we recommend purchasing them in advance or using the food trucks available on race day. Taxi services in the area are extremely limited, especially during the event. Securing transportation on the day of the race may be difficult without prior arrangements. For participants traveling from overseas, we strongly recommend using the official shuttle bus, unless you plan to arrive by rental car.

The Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon is a unique road race that takes runners through vast cabbage fields—one of the iconic landscapes of Tsumagoi Village.Known for its relentless hills and challenging elevation changes, the race proudly calls itself “the toughest road race in Japan.” It’s a demanding course, but the sweeping highland views and fresh mountain air make every step worthwhile.

Couple Pair Category

This is a special category designed to celebrate partnership and teamwork.​

▶ Couples will receive original Tsumagoi souvenirs, including a locally inspired “Happy Marriage” charm.

▶ Couples entered in this category must cross the finish line hand in hand.

▶ Entry in the Couple Pair Category requires an overnight stay at a designated accommodation the night before the race.

Access

Race Venue

 Tokai University Tsumagoi Highland Training Center Multi-Purpose Ground​

Parking

 Main Parking : Former Baragi Ski Area Parking Lots (Lots 1–3)

 Other Parking : Palcall Tsumagoi Resort Parking Area

By Train

● JR Agatsuma Line

Tokyo Station

 

 

Takasaki Station 

Manza-Kazawaguchi Station

​▼ Bullet Train 60 minutes

​▼ JR Agatsuma Line 120 minutes

● Seibu Kanko Bus

Tokyo Station

 

 

Karuizawa Station 

Manza-Kazawaguchi Station

​▼ Seibu Kanko Bus 50 minutes

​▼ Bullet Train 60 minutes

By Car

● From Narita Airport

Distance: approximately 240 km

Travel time: 3.5–4.5 hours

Route: Narita Airport → Higashi-Kanto Expressway → Metropolitan Expressway → Kan-Etsu Expressway → Joshin-Etsu Expressway → Tsumagoi Village

● From Tokyo

Distance: approximately 170 km

Travel time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Route: Tokyo → Kan-Etsu Expressway → Joshin-Etsu Expressway → Tsumagoi Village

● From Osaka

Distance: 500 km
Travel time: 6–7 hours
Route: Osaka → Meishin Expressway → Chuo Expressway → Joshin-Etsu Expressway → Tsumagoi Village

We recommend using Google Maps or your car navigation system for the most up-to-date route information.

Free Shuttle Bus Service

Reservation Required!!

For the 18th Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon, the free shuttle bus service is available by advance reservation only.

Passengers without a reservation will not be able to board the shuttle bus.

If you have not yet made a reservation, please send an email with the following information:

・Full Name

・Number of Passengers

・Date(s) you wish to use the shuttle bus (July 4 / July 5)

・Pickup location and destination

 

Please send your reservation request to info@tsumagoi-kankou.jp.

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