Kobe Marathon
Kobe, Japan · Sunday 19 November 2023
The Kobe Marathon is a flat to gently rolling full marathon held in November through the birthplace of marathon running in Japan, making it a historically significant race for distance runners. The course stays low in elevation, rarely climbing more than 12 meters above sea level, which means you won't face major climbing challenges but should expect some undulation throughout the 42.2km. The trail surface adds a different feel compared to road racing, so your legs may respond differently during training and recovery. Entry is competitive, with several recruitment categories including age-group brackets and first-timer divisions, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot. If you're looking at this race, aim for November 2023 timing and start your training with the understanding that the mostly flat terrain favors steady pacing over climbing strategy.
Difficulty Calculator
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Adjusted Time
4:32:17
Time difference: +32.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain70m
Elevation High12m
Elevation Low2m
Kobe Marathon 2023 Course Analysis
Kobe Marathon is a full marathon held in Kobe, Japan, scheduled for Sunday 19 November 2023. The course is run on trail surface with 70m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 12m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Kobe Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a very flat course with only 70m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 2m to 12m above sea level — a 10m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Surface Type: Trail
Kobe Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
How Difficult Is Kobe Marathon?
Our difficulty rating for Kobe Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Kobe Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.