Shonan International Marathon Enters Its Fifth Year of Eliminating All Disposable Cups and Plastic Bottles

April 1, 2026

Establishing a New Standard for Large-Scale Marathons

Entry Opens: April 4, 2026, 20:00 (JST)
Race Date: December 6, 2026

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Entry for the Shonan International Marathon will open on April 4, 2026. Now in its 21st edition, the race is one of Japan’s largest full marathons. Since 2022, it has operated with a system that completely eliminates disposable cups and plastic bottles on the course—making it one of the first large-scale races in the world to fully implement a sustainable model.

Entering its fifth year, the race welcomes approximately 26,000 participants. It adopts a “My Bottle Marathon” system, requiring runners to carry their own hydration bottles. Around 200 hydration stations are placed along the course, supplying approximately 47 tons of water, enabling a race operation with zero disposable containers.

This system has reduced overall event waste by approximately 76% compared to conventional race formats. While many races focus on reducing waste, the Shonan International Marathon has attracted attention as a model that fundamentally redesigns the hydration system and achieves zero waste from disposable containers.

From “Reduction” to “Elimination”

Rethinking the Structure of Large-Scale Marathons

Fully implemented in 2022, the “My Bottle Marathon” is not simply an environmental initiative, but a fundamental redesign of race operations.

• No disposable cups or bottles on the course
• Approximately 200 hydration stations (about every 200 meters)
• Around 47 tons of water supplied
• Approximately 76% reduction in waste

This model demonstrates that sustainability can be achieved at scale by incorporating behavioral changes among runners, offering a practical example for future large-scale events.

About the Shonan International Marathon

The Shonan International Marathon is one of Japan’s largest running events, with approximately 26,000 participants, including around 19,500 in the full marathon. The course is known for its scenic coastal route along the Pacific Ocean, offering views of Mt. Fuji.

With a flat and fast course profile, the race attracts a wide range of runners, from beginners to those aiming for personal bests. The event is supported by the local community, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Event Overview

Event Name: 21st Shonan International Marathon
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Events: Full Marathon / 10 km / Others
Venue: Oiso Prince Hotel, Kanagawa, Japan
Official Website: https://www.shonan-kokusai.jp/

Organizer: Runner’s Wellness Co., Ltd.

Runners Wellness organizes major running events in Japan, including the Shonan International Marathon, Yokohama Marathon, and Challenge Fuji Five Lakes Ultra Marathon. The organization also serves as the Japan branch of the International Spartathlon Association and is involved in TV production coordination, sports and entertainment PR, and wellness-focused healthcare initiatives.

Official Website: https://www.r-wellness.com/

Media Contact

Materials including the 2025 environmental report and press photos are available upon request.
For inquiries, please contact:
tokairin@kaigaimarathon.com