Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 仙台国際ハーフマラソン大会
• Sendai International Half Marathon

History

The Sendai International Half Marathon was launched in 1991 to celebrate the centennial of Sendai's municipal organization. Initially an elite-only race, it opened to amateur runners in 2012, transforming into a grand community sports festival. The course is renowned for its beauty, passing through avenues lined with Japanese zelkova trees (keyaki), earning it the nickname "Marathon of the City of Trees" (mori no miyako).

The event is recognized by World Athletics and the JAAF (Japan Association of Athletics Federations), attracting world-class athletes and thousands of enthusiasts annually. It also serves as a platform to support the reconstruction of the Tōhoku region following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Location and Date

• Location: Start and finish at Sendai City Athletic Stadium (Sendai-shi Rikujō Kyōgijō).
• Address: 1-1 Miyagino 2-chome, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-0045 (宮城県仙台市宮城野区宮城野2丁目1-1).
• GPS Coordinates: 38.2592° N, 140.9038° E.
• Access: 5-minute walk from Miyaginohara Station (JR Senseki Line).
• Date: Generally held on the second Sunday of May.
• Date Type: Variable date (based on the weekly calendar).

Program

The competition takes place over a single day, but the excitement begins the day before with bib collection and festive events. The atmosphere is electric, blending the intensity of an international competition with the conviviality of an urban matsuri.

The race starts in the morning (usually around 9:00 or 10:00 AM). The 21.0975 km course is relatively flat and fast, passing through the city's iconic landmarks like Jozenji-dōri Avenue. Traditional music groups and thousands of spectators cheer on the runners along the way, creating a unique fervor.

The climax is the finish at the stadium, where runners are greeted with applause and can enjoy local food stalls featuring Miyagi specialties, such as gyūtan (grilled beef tongue).

Practical Tips

Photography

The best photo spot is undoubtedly Jozenji-dōri Avenue. The trees create a magnificent green tunnel. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement of elite athletes passing at an impressive pace.

Weather

In May, the climate in Sendai is ideal for running, with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. However, the sun can be strong; bring sun protection if you are standing still to cheer.

Transportation

The area around the stadium is subject to heavy traffic restrictions. Use the subway or JR Senseki Line. Sendai Station is about a 20-minute walk from the starting point for those who want to warm up their legs.

Visitor Hacks

Arrive early at Jozenji-dōri to get a front-row spot. After the runners pass, take the opportunity to visit Sendai Tōshōgū Shrine or stroll through the city center, which remains lively all day.

To Prepare

Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a power bank for your phone, as you will likely film the elite runners' passage.

Sources & References

• Sendai International Half Marathon Official Site

  Official event page with detailed routes, registration procedures, and results.

• City of Sendai - Sports Section

  Municipal information on the organization and local impact of the race.

• JAAF - Japan Association of Athletics Federations

  Technical sheet of the competition on the national federation's website.