In a significant development for Indian women runners, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest women’s marathon, has announced that international entries are now open. The marathon, held annually on the second Sunday of March in Nagoya, Japan, is preparing for its 2026 event scheduled for Sunday, March 8.

The marathon’s mission is to empower and celebrate women through running, a purpose that has earned it the International Olympic Committee Women and Sport Achievement Diploma for its role in boosting female participation in running in Japan.

For the upcoming race, there will be a total capacity for 20,000 women, with 3,500 slots reserved for overseas runners. Indian women have a dedicated early entry period from August 12 to August 25, 2025, and a regular entry period from August 26 to September 24, 2025. The entry fee is 18,000 JPY for early entry and 19,000 JPY for regular entry.

For men who wish to join in the festivities, the Nagoya City Marathon will be held on the same day, featuring a half marathon and a 7.758 km race. This provides an opportunity for male companions to participate in a parallel event while supporting their female counterparts. The marathon is expected to be a major highlight on the international running calendar, attracting participants from around the globe.