Marathon Details - Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon

International Marathons > Japan > Nagano City > Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon

Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon

Nagano City, Japan

April 21, 2024

https://www.naganomarathon.gr.jp/english

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Yasushi Aoki
Address:	Nagano Olympic Commemorative Nagano Marathon Organizing Committee Nagano City Hall, Johyama office, 1-3-8 Hakoshimizu, Nagano-City, Japan 380-0801
Phone Number:	+81 26 236 3083
Fax Number:	+81 26 234 6381
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.6

Spectators 4.7

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Number of comments: 20 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Paul RYKEN from Auckland, New Zealand (8/20/2023) "Scenery alone was well-worth it" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Geared towards the Japanese runner market, but did offer some nice touches for foreign participants. Little chaotic at the start. Lots of entertainment on the route. Friendly enthusiastic supporters.
J. P. from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (5/23/2016) "Scenic and You Get To Finish In An Olympic Stadium" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A little hard to secure accommodation but I got lucky. Spring weather was mild and the views of snow-capped mountains was memorable. The organizers provided complimentary train ride from Nagano to the start and buses from the finish back to Nagano (it's a point to point race), so do buffer enough time in your time management. I had no PR expectations other than to have a good time out on the course. Nagano is a small and cozy city to be visiting and I could be back again.
J. M. from Hong Kong (4/20/2015) "Amazing Experience and Fast Course" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was totally impressed with every aspect of this event. The fan support is like nothing I have ever seen. People everywhere and all kinds of entertainment! The course is fast and relatively flat. Weather was perfect. Since I was shooting for a PR (sub-3) time, I was concerned about the starting arrangement. I had read that foreigners are all placed in coral C, but that wasn't a big deal in my case. I didn't lose any time at the start and was actually surprised that so many people were going out very fast. One drawback is that if you do not speak Japanese (like me), you need to put in extra time planning and don't expect everything to be perfectly smooth. One tip - get to the start at least an hour before the start. I came about 45 min before and was a bit rushed figuring everything out. I got my PR easily and look forward to doing this race again.
G. H. from NEW YORK (5/15/2014) "Had a lot of fun" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The marathon course is relatively flat but not as flat as many reviews suggest otherwise. There is a slight incline the first 5K and several short but sharp inclines in the last 10k (bridges, etc). Many of the annoying inclines lead into turns so my pace dropped somewhat during these areas. Wunderground had 2014 Nagano marathon at 7 -10 degrees but it felt much warmer with the sun (i heard some people say it started at 12 and rose to 18). Definitely wear sunblock. There is a live band at the start and they move to the 25K? area at a later point. This year there was a beautiful finisher's medal as well as a nice big towel. The retro mesh tshirt is my favorite so far. At the end, you were given a nice wet towel to wipe off and there were massage tents too. Food was small, just a riceball and drink. The course is in the countryside, great air, mountains, etc, though I didn't pay too much attention.
g. s. from Hawaii (5/16/2012) "nagano and pictures" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first international marathon. if anyone has run this, can you tell me how or if i can get pictures. Other marathons offer pictures to purchase after the event. I'm sad I have no pictures. Thank you.
J. T. from Melbourne, Australia (5/4/2012) "Wonderful spectators" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I was one of only a handful of non-Japanese in this marathon, and not even a Japan resident, but I felt thoroughly welcome every step of the way. The crowd support was unbelievable, vocal and enthusiastic. Most things I needed to know were easy to figure out, like the bus to the expo and the train to the start line. I stayed at the Sunroute Hotel which was convenient and a reasonable price. The restaurants near the station are good and handle foreigners well. Altogether a great experience.
G. S. from Hawaii (4/25/2012) "Interesting, but not easy" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first international marathon. It was hot. I even got a sunburn. Am I the only one who thinks this was not a flat and fast course? There were so many inclines which I wasn't expecting. But, overall it was a wonderful experience. The quietest and most conservative start I have ever been in. The people in Nagano are so nice. But, I could not figure out my time or placement.
M. T. from Hong Kong (4/25/2012) "Thank you Nagano" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Flat course, beautiful scenery in the background, an enthusiastic and supportive crowd lining the course, sufficient fueling stations and an epic finish in the olympic stadium makes Nagano the perfect destination to run a marathon. I ran a personal best and my first Boston qualifying time in the 2012 race and had such an incredible time that I am now debating whether to pursue my dream to run in Boston in 2013 or return to Nagano for a second straight year.
L. S. from Hong Kong (4/30/2009) "Great course, great organization, more English!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I'm not usually the foreigner who complains about people not being able to speak my language. However, when I had to drop out at the 30K-point due to a blown knee, I realized that none of the volunteers or medical staff could speak English (or any language other than Japanese). It took some high-level charades skills for me to convey the message that I needed to drop out - the first time I tried to alert volunteers/medical staff to my problem, they gave me some cold spray and shoved me on my way. Then, when I finally conveyed the message, I was brought to a medical tent where I pantomimed to the Japanese-speaking medical official that I had hurt my knee and could not finish. He taped it up which solved the problem for the time being, so I have no personal complaints. However, if someone happens to suffer from a more severe medical condition, such as a heart attack or hyponatremia (which is often confused with dehydration, with deadly results), I would be very concerned for their safety if they do not speak Japanese. There are a number of Cantonese speakers as well (being so close to Hong Kong), so I'd suggest that the race needs English, Cantonese and Japanese speakers for their medical staff. That is the only complaint. However, since it is a complaint which, in the case of someone else, might mean the difference between life and death (or proper immediate care and improper immediate care), I cannot recommend this marathon to anyone who does not speak Japanese. It also was very hot, about 25 degrees CELSIUS at the tail end of the race (and this is coming from a 3-hour marathoner). I understand that this was the hottest that the race has been in its 11-year history, but this is another argument to start the race at 7 a.m. and not 8:30. I was already feeling warm at 8:30 in my sports bra and shorts. While organizers can't control the weather, they can control the time the race starts. It is not humid, so early morning temperatures are quite pleasant and runners would rather run early than run hot!
S. S. from Los Angeles, California (4/19/2009) "A Worthwhile Experience" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a quality marathon, with 200 people breaking three hours. The course is almost completely flat, but it is also exposed (which means it can be windy) and not particularly pretty until the end when there is some nice scenery. There are plenty of fans pretty much everywhere, yelling, "Gambate" ("do your best"). The race is very well organized in the sense that things happen as and when planned. No problem getting registered, to the start or home from the finish, and your bag will be at the finish waiting for you. On the other hand, there is really no excuse for starting the race at 8:30 a.m. rather than, say, 7 a.m. And, there was very little to drink at the finish line. Grab a second bottle of sports drink before leaving the immediate finish area, or you will not get any more liquid until you buy it! Aid stations along the way were sufficient: sports drink, water and bananas every few miles. Split times are at 5K intervals and the halfway point. There are markers, but not times, at each 1K. There are also signs at each 1K to go in the race, starting at 5K to go. No mile splits or markers. The seeding at the start is poor. Runners from a Japanese club or association apparently get automatic seeding in the first 1,000 places, even though they may be four-hour marathoners. Foreigners seem to get intermediate treatment - they go in the second bin, regardless of time. That is great if you run four hours, but if you run three hours, you are starting behind a lot of slower runners. Foreigners also get a few other freebies, including an invite to the "farewell party," which was fun to watch and included decent food and drink.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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Paul RYKEN from Auckland, New Zealand (8/20/2023) "Scenery alone was well-worth it" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Geared towards the Japanese runner market, but did offer some nice touches for foreign participants. Little chaotic at the start. Lots of entertainment on the route. Friendly enthusiastic supporters.
J. P. from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (5/23/2016) "Scenic and You Get To Finish In An Olympic Stadium" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A little hard to secure accommodation but I got lucky. Spring weather was mild and the views of snow-capped mountains was memorable. The organizers provided complimentary train ride from Nagano to the start and buses from the finish back to Nagano (it's a point to point race), so do buffer enough time in your time management. I had no PR expectations other than to have a good time out on the course. Nagano is a small and cozy city to be visiting and I could be back again.
J. M. from Hong Kong (4/20/2015) "Amazing Experience and Fast Course" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was totally impressed with every aspect of this event. The fan support is like nothing I have ever seen. People everywhere and all kinds of entertainment! The course is fast and relatively flat. Weather was perfect. Since I was shooting for a PR (sub-3) time, I was concerned about the starting arrangement. I had read that foreigners are all placed in coral C, but that wasn't a big deal in my case. I didn't lose any time at the start and was actually surprised that so many people were going out very fast. One drawback is that if you do not speak Japanese (like me), you need to put in extra time planning and don't expect everything to be perfectly smooth. One tip - get to the start at least an hour before the start. I came about 45 min before and was a bit rushed figuring everything out. I got my PR easily and look forward to doing this race again.
G. H. from NEW YORK (5/15/2014) "Had a lot of fun" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The marathon course is relatively flat but not as flat as many reviews suggest otherwise. There is a slight incline the first 5K and several short but sharp inclines in the last 10k (bridges, etc). Many of the annoying inclines lead into turns so my pace dropped somewhat during these areas. Wunderground had 2014 Nagano marathon at 7 -10 degrees but it felt much warmer with the sun (i heard some people say it started at 12 and rose to 18). Definitely wear sunblock. There is a live band at the start and they move to the 25K? area at a later point. This year there was a beautiful finisher's medal as well as a nice big towel. The retro mesh tshirt is my favorite so far. At the end, you were given a nice wet towel to wipe off and there were massage tents too. Food was small, just a riceball and drink. The course is in the countryside, great air, mountains, etc, though I didn't pay too much attention.
g. s. from Hawaii (5/16/2012) "nagano and pictures" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first international marathon. if anyone has run this, can you tell me how or if i can get pictures. Other marathons offer pictures to purchase after the event. I'm sad I have no pictures. Thank you.
J. T. from Melbourne, Australia (5/4/2012) "Wonderful spectators" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I was one of only a handful of non-Japanese in this marathon, and not even a Japan resident, but I felt thoroughly welcome every step of the way. The crowd support was unbelievable, vocal and enthusiastic. Most things I needed to know were easy to figure out, like the bus to the expo and the train to the start line. I stayed at the Sunroute Hotel which was convenient and a reasonable price. The restaurants near the station are good and handle foreigners well. Altogether a great experience.
G. S. from Hawaii (4/25/2012) "Interesting, but not easy" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first international marathon. It was hot. I even got a sunburn. Am I the only one who thinks this was not a flat and fast course? There were so many inclines which I wasn't expecting. But, overall it was a wonderful experience. The quietest and most conservative start I have ever been in. The people in Nagano are so nice. But, I could not figure out my time or placement.
M. T. from Hong Kong (4/25/2012) "Thank you Nagano" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Flat course, beautiful scenery in the background, an enthusiastic and supportive crowd lining the course, sufficient fueling stations and an epic finish in the olympic stadium makes Nagano the perfect destination to run a marathon. I ran a personal best and my first Boston qualifying time in the 2012 race and had such an incredible time that I am now debating whether to pursue my dream to run in Boston in 2013 or return to Nagano for a second straight year.
L. S. from Hong Kong (4/30/2009) "Great course, great organization, more English!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I'm not usually the foreigner who complains about people not being able to speak my language. However, when I had to drop out at the 30K-point due to a blown knee, I realized that none of the volunteers or medical staff could speak English (or any language other than Japanese). It took some high-level charades skills for me to convey the message that I needed to drop out - the first time I tried to alert volunteers/medical staff to my problem, they gave me some cold spray and shoved me on my way. Then, when I finally conveyed the message, I was brought to a medical tent where I pantomimed to the Japanese-speaking medical official that I had hurt my knee and could not finish. He taped it up which solved the problem for the time being, so I have no personal complaints. However, if someone happens to suffer from a more severe medical condition, such as a heart attack or hyponatremia (which is often confused with dehydration, with deadly results), I would be very concerned for their safety if they do not speak Japanese. There are a number of Cantonese speakers as well (being so close to Hong Kong), so I'd suggest that the race needs English, Cantonese and Japanese speakers for their medical staff. That is the only complaint. However, since it is a complaint which, in the case of someone else, might mean the difference between life and death (or proper immediate care and improper immediate care), I cannot recommend this marathon to anyone who does not speak Japanese. It also was very hot, about 25 degrees CELSIUS at the tail end of the race (and this is coming from a 3-hour marathoner). I understand that this was the hottest that the race has been in its 11-year history, but this is another argument to start the race at 7 a.m. and not 8:30. I was already feeling warm at 8:30 in my sports bra and shorts. While organizers can't control the weather, they can control the time the race starts. It is not humid, so early morning temperatures are quite pleasant and runners would rather run early than run hot!
S. S. from Los Angeles, California (4/19/2009) "A Worthwhile Experience" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a quality marathon, with 200 people breaking three hours. The course is almost completely flat, but it is also exposed (which means it can be windy) and not particularly pretty until the end when there is some nice scenery. There are plenty of fans pretty much everywhere, yelling, "Gambate" ("do your best"). The race is very well organized in the sense that things happen as and when planned. No problem getting registered, to the start or home from the finish, and your bag will be at the finish waiting for you. On the other hand, there is really no excuse for starting the race at 8:30 a.m. rather than, say, 7 a.m. And, there was very little to drink at the finish line. Grab a second bottle of sports drink before leaving the immediate finish area, or you will not get any more liquid until you buy it! Aid stations along the way were sufficient: sports drink, water and bananas every few miles. Split times are at 5K intervals and the halfway point. There are markers, but not times, at each 1K. There are also signs at each 1K to go in the race, starting at 5K to go. No mile splits or markers. The seeding at the start is poor. Runners from a Japanese club or association apparently get automatic seeding in the first 1,000 places, even though they may be four-hour marathoners. Foreigners seem to get intermediate treatment - they go in the second bin, regardless of time. That is great if you run four hours, but if you run three hours, you are starting behind a lot of slower runners. Foreigners also get a few other freebies, including an invite to the "farewell party," which was fun to watch and included decent food and drink.

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Marathon Details - Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon