Race Features — Connecting Through Smiles

“Connecting Through Smiles”

The Gifu Half Marathon is led by Race Chairperson Naoko Takahashi, gold medalist in the women’s marathon at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, who is affectionately known in Japan as “Q-chan” and famous for her trademark smile.

Our goal is to make race day a special occasion when everyone involved, from guest athletes such as Mizuki Noguchi, gold medalist in the women’s marathon at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, to runners, volunteers, and staff, comes together through smiles.

A Course Designed by Race Chairperson & Olympic Champion Naoko Takahashi
Connecting Gifu with the World

A Course Designed by Race Chairperson & Olympic Champion Naoko Takahashi
Connecting Gifu with the World

What Makes the Gifu Half Marathon Special

１.High-Fives with Olympic Champions Naoko Takahashi and Mizuki Noguchi

One of the unique experiences of the Gifu Half Marathon is the chance to get a high-five from two Olympic marathon champions. Naoko Takahashi, Gifu’s own gold medalist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and Mizuki Noguchi, gold medalist at the Athens 2004 Olympics, will be there to greet runners with a smile at various points along the course and at the finish. And that’s not all. Plenty of other familiar faces will be waiting to welcome you near the finish!

2.Aid Stations Featuring Local Gifu Specialties

Enjoy local specialties from across Gifu Prefecture while you run. Our aid stations offer runners a taste of Gifu along the course, adding another delicious dimension to the race experience.

3.Unbeatable Support from Gifu Locals

Every runner receives a special bib featuring a personal message of encouragement from a local elementary school student. Wear it on your back and let their words give you an extra boost. Your message may even inspire the runners behind you to keep going!

The Gifu Half Marathon also has what we like to think is the best roadside support in Japan! Local residents line the course, cheering you on with incredible energy and enthusiasm.

The encouragement doesn’t stop there. Our volunteers will be cheering you on at the water stations, too. With so much support along the way, those 21 kilometers might just fly by!

4.A Welcoming and Runner-Friendly Race, Even for First-Time Half Marathoners

Our time limit is more than 2 hours and 30 minutes even for runners starting at the back of the second wave. Even if this is your first half marathon, you can take it at a comfortable pace and enjoy the journey to the finish line.

We also have a comprehensive medical support system in place to help runners feel safe and supported throughout the race. In addition to seven medical stations along the course, medical staff patrol the course by bicycle, while trained Heart Support Runners are ready to assist if a runner needs help.

5.A Course to Experience Gifu, from the City Center and Historic Streets to the Clear Waters of the Nagara River

Starting and finishing at the Gifu Memorial Center, this relatively flat course takes you past Yanagase and JR Gifu Station, through the historic streets of Kawaramachi, and along both banks of the Nagara River, famous for its traditional cormorant fishing. With views of Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle, once home to the legendary samurai warlord Oda Nobunaga, the course offers a unique way to experience Gifu City.

6.Discover Gifu at Rakuichi Rakuza and the Marathon EXPO

Held at the race venue on the day before and the day of the race, Rakuichi Rakuza and the Marathon EXPO bring together the best of Gifu’s tourism, food, and local products. Explore a variety of booths showcasing what Gifu has to offer, along with sponsor booths and food vendors from across Japan.

7.More Than Just a Race: Fun for the Whole Family

The Gifu Half Marathon offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to Rakuichi Rakuza and the Marathon EXPO, the lawn area features a variety of interactive activities for families. Local sports teams, including soccer team FC Gifu and basketball team Gifu Swoops, will also have booths where you may even get the chance to join in activities with the players!