Here at YAMAtune, we are incredibly excited as we prepare to support the Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon once again. This year is particularly special as it marks our 11th anniversary of partnership with this fantastic event in northern Japan.
This isn't just a marathon; it's a running holiday wrapped in spectacular scenery and famous for its local generosity (known as omotenashi). We want to take you on a virtual tour of Abashiri and explain why your feet—and your running spirit belong here.
The Host City: Abashiri, Hokkaido's Northern Gem
To truly appreciate the marathon, you first need to understand Abashiri. Situated on the Sea of Okhotsk in the vast northern island of Hokkaido, Abashiri is a city defined by breathtaking contrasts: a place of chilling drift ice in winter, and stunning greenery, lakes, and oceans in the autumn.
A Land of History and Natural Wonder
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A Pioneer's Past: Abashiri is historically famous for the Abashiri Prison (now the Museum Abashiri Prison), which played a crucial role in the development of Hokkaido. It’s a city deeply rooted in the history of Japanese frontier life.
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Okhotsk Blue & Shimmering Lakes: The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including Abashiri Lake and Lake Notoro. In autumn, Lake Notoro's shores are dyed a vibrant crimson by clusters of coral grass (Sango-sō)—a unique, must-see natural phenomenon.
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The Perfect Climate: While the rest of Japan can be stifling, the marathon takes place in September, offering runners the cool, crisp air that the north is famous for. It’s ideal running weather, allowing you to focus on the run (and the food!).
The Abashiri Marathon: A Route Built on Experience
The Okhotsk Abashiri Marathon course is meticulously designed to showcase the region’s best sights, blending historical landmarks with unparalleled natural beauty.
The Runner's Delight: Gourmet Aids and Omotenashi
This event consistently ranks highly with runners not just for the views, but for the world-class local hospitality.
The generous 6-hour 30-minute cut-off is a welcome feature, giving you plenty of time to fully embrace the Gourmet Aid Stations. Forget simple energy gels; here you’ll be refuelling on local delicacies like hot crab soup, savoury clam soups, and even delicious charcoal-grilled Okhotsk Abashiri Wagyu beef! It's a culinary journey as much as a physical one.
YAMAtune: Supporting Your Journey from Start to Finish
As we mark our 11th year supporting this race, our mission remains clear: to ensure every runner's foot comfort matches the spectacular environment they’re running through.
We are so committed to the event's "runner-first" philosophy that we provide our performance gear as gifts for participants. Full marathon runners receive both our renowned YAMAtune original socks and our supportive arm sleeves. For the 5K and 3K runners, we supply our premium socks.
Our specially engineered socks, designed with superior arch and ankle support, are intended to be your reliable "running mate" on this hilly and scenic course. They help mitigate strain and allow you to focus on conquering that final climb towards the dazzling sunflower finish line.
We look forward to seeing runners from the UK and beyond joining us in Abashiri September 2026. Pack your bags, train hard, and prepare for a marathon experience that will feed your soul, satisfy your appetite, and give you memories to last a lifetime!
