“Someday I’d love to run a race.” The lakeside Lake Toya Marathon is a perfect first step. Alongside the full marathon there are 10 km and 5 km events, making it a great fit for anyone who has just taken up running or for a whole family. As a lodging operator here on the lakeshore, Kamonoya has put together the key points that help first-timers arrive on race day feeling relaxed. Entry fees and dates change from year to year, so we note them as “for the 2026 race” and recommend checking the latest details on the official site, toyako-marathon.jp.

The 10 km and 5 km are ideal for beginners and families

For the 2026 race, in addition to the 42.195 km full marathon there are 10 km and 5 km events. The entry fees are as follows.

• 10 km: ¥5,000
• 5 km: ¥5,000 (high school students ¥2,500, junior high students ¥2,000)

The 5 km has a fee tier open to junior high students and up, making it a great shared goal for a family to run together. Being able to start from a distance you can comfortably finish is part of what makes this race so welcoming. Event categories and entry fees may change from year to year.

Know your start time (2026 race)

The 10 km and 5 km, popular with beginners, start at 10 km 10:00 / 5 km 10:10 (the full marathon starts at 9:00). These are a little later than the full, but once you factor in race-day check-in and preparation, staying the night before to give yourself plenty of time is still the safest bet. The race is held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, rain or shine.

Three tips to carry you to your first finish

Even on your first attempt, keeping these three points in mind will help you run the day comfortably to the end.

• Start conservatively: getting pulled along by those around you and going out too fast makes the second half tough. Setting off feeling like it’s “a touch too easy” is exactly right.
• Don’t skip the water stops: refuel little and often, before you feel thirsty. Even in May, you will sweat.
• Leave room to enjoy the scenery: the Lake Toya shoreline is a course with real ups and downs. Don’t push too hard—take in the lake and the fresh spring greenery as you go, and the finish will come to you.

For a more detailed look at handling the elevation changes, pacing, and hydration, see our course strategy guide. Even over a shorter distance, knowing the feel of the course in advance brings peace of mind.

For a family entry, a whole-house rental is the comfortable choice

When you take part as a parent and child or a whole family, a whole-house rental where everyone can stay under one roof is convenient. Every Kamonoya property is kitchen-equipped and rented as a whole house or private unit (you never share with other guests), so you can prepare the night-before meal to suit the family’s tastes and relax freely even with children along. For families, Kamonoya Toya House (sleeps 8, from ¥24,000/night) and Lake Toya Building 2LDK (sleeps 6, from ¥11,000/night) are easy to use, and for a larger group mixing runners and supporters, Toya Farmer’s House (sleeps 18, from ¥25,000/night) is a great choice too. For balancing running with cheering someone on, see our cheering, spectating and sightseeing guide as well.

Entry and how race day unfolds

Entry is usually accepted online (via RUNTES) from February to early March. For the 2026 race it ran from February 1 to March 8. The capacities and registration methods for the 10 km and 5 km may change from year to year. On the day, you head to the venue from the lodging where you stayed the night before, complete check-in and preparation, and get ready for the start. For an overview of the whole event, see our complete Lake Toya Marathon guide, and for choosing a place to stay, our runner’s pre-race lodging guide. You can compare our properties from the facilities list.

Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Can complete beginners take part?

Yes. The 2026 race offers 10 km and 5 km events alongside the full marathon, so it suits people who have just started running. The 5 km also has a fee tier open to junior high students and up. Because events and entry fees can change from year to year, please confirm on the official site, toyako-marathon.jp.

Q2. We’d like the whole family to take part—what should we do about lodging?

With a whole-house rental, the entire family can stay under one roof. Every Kamonoya property is kitchen-equipped and rented privately, so you can tailor the night-before meal to the family’s tastes. Depending on your group size, you can choose from options like Kamonoya Toya House (sleeps 8) or Toya Farmer’s House (sleeps 18).

Q3. What time do the 5 km and 10 km start?

For the 2026 race, the 10 km is scheduled to start at 10:00 and the 5 km at 10:10. The race is held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, rain or shine.