We received a variety of comments about the operation of the marathon through questionnaires and SNS after the last competition (Saitama Marathon). In response to these comments, the event secretariat has repeatedly discussed areas for improvement as well as content that we would like to continue and enhance for this year’s marathon.
In order to further satisfy runners, we have prepared the following information on the topics of interest for the Saitama Marathon 2025.

Improved baggage check-in and return procedures

In the questionnaires and SNS we conducted after the last event, we received many comments from runners that they felt stressed because they had to wait for a long time at the baggage check-in and baggage return counter.

For this year’s event, we have come up with the following two improvements to shorten the baggage check-in and baggage return time and to make the event easier for runners to participate.

(1) Reduce waiting time for runners (click to view)


In the previous tournament, the baggage drop-off and return areas were concentrated in one location, which resulted in long lines for baggage return, and it took a long time to return the baggage. For this year’s event, the space within the main venue, Saitama Super Arena, will be utilized even more effectively to disperse baggage storage areas and reduce waiting time.
In addition, in the last compention, baggage was blocked in order of running ability, which resulted in congested baggage return times being concentrated in different blocks. This year’s event will have dedicated baggage numbers to disperse the concentration of runners, thereby reducing waiting time.

⑵Incorporating a partial walk-through system improves return speed (click to view).

In the last race, there were only a few baggage drop-off counters and the line for baggage claim was long, and we received some comments from runners that they had to wait for a long time.
While increasing the number of baggage return counters, this year’s tournament will improve the speed of baggage return by allowing visitors to place their own baggage in designated areas at some baggage drop-off locations using a walk-through system.
Our staff will check your baggage to ensure that there are no errors.

Enhance our support to runners

In order to realize the event concept of “everyone can participate,” we will provide runner support to make it easier for everyone to participate, from marathon beginners to advanced runners, young and old, men and women, in their own positions.
In the previous event, the completion rate of beginner support participants aiming to finish the race was 77.2%, and the ratio of female runners to the total number of participants in the marathon section was 12.2%. In order to improve these results, we have prepared more extensive support programs than in the previous event.

Various participation categories (click to view)

Saitama Marathon 2025 offers a variety of marathon participation categories to meet different needs.

Full beginner support

This is a category of participation that provides a variety of support for marathon completion from before the event to the day of the event.
The following support contents are available to help marathon beginners complete the marathon.

  • We will hold three pre-run clinics (3 sessions) to improve your running ability.
  • Pre-clinic support drill delivery (3 sessions).
  • On the day of the event, a dedicated entrance gate will be provided, and the start will be at the end of the line for your safety.
  • You will receive a specially designed athlete bib.
  • A special supplemental meal for runners will be provided on the day of the event.

*Please note that there is no dedicated preparation area.

New Premium Boxes

This is a newly established entry category from this year’s event. This is an entry category where you can spend a relaxing time with your family and friends in a private room or at a dedicated entrance gate.

  • Private rooms are available for exclusive use.
  • A dedicated preparation area, baggage storage area, and entrance gate will be provided.
  • Specially designed athlete bibs and special participation prizes will be given away.

Continuation of Premium Runners

This participation category allows participants to relax before and after the race by providing a dedicated preparation area.

  • A dedicated preparation area, baggage storage area, and entrance gate will be provided.
  • Support will be provided by the convention guests in a dedicated preparation area.
  • Exclusive athlete bibs and aids will be provided free of charge after the finish line.

Host a full range of running clinics (click to view)

Multiple clinics will be offered for marathon beginners, intermediate marathon runners, and advanced marathon runners according to their running ability.

We will also offer clinics to improve children’s running ability and clinics for women.

Whether you are anxious about your first marathon or want to challenge your own record, you can sign up for a clinic that suits your individual goals.

Go to Clinic Page

Support for Women Runners (click to view)

The installation of a powder room and women-only restrooms will support the participation of female runners.

Child care center on the day of the convention (click to view)

On the day of the race, childcare services will be available on site to support the participation of runners of child-raising age.

New Category for Volunteer Opportunities

We have prepared categories for volunteers that allow experienced volunteers to make better use of their experience, as well as categories that are easy for children, such as elementary and junior high school students, to participate in.

Establishment of new volunteer leaders (click to view)

A new category of Volunteer Leader will be established. They will be responsible for supporting the volunteers working at the convention and further raise their high level of awareness of the activities.

Establishment of Family Quota and Relaxation of Age Requirements (click to view)

As a new category, based on the concept of “a competition in which everyone can participate,” a family quota will be established to allow families to participate.
In addition, the age requirement for group participation will be relaxed to allow elementary and junior high school students to participate if there is at least one adult supervising the group.