Kyoto Marathon 2027 Volunteer Recruitment

Before you go

7,000 volunteers carry the Kyoto Marathon. The Kyoto Marathon Executive Committee recruits 7,000 volunteers to work at runner check-in, along the course and around the finish area. The event's message is that everyone involved is a protagonist — runners, residents, volunteers, sponsors and the people cheering from the roadside. Its main concept is the 'DO YOU KYOTO? Marathon,' built around environmentally conscious practice.

The work splits into several jobs. Before the race, volunteers staff runner check-in at Miyako Messe and pack the envelopes handed to runners. On race day they give directions at venues, hand out water and food, and keep the course in order, while detour guides show drivers, supporters and passers-by the way around closed roads.

Only one category is still open: race-day operations on 21 February (guidance, aid stations and tidying along the course). The others can no longer be applied for: runner check-in preparation (18 Feb), runner check-in (19–20 Feb) and detour guidance have closed after drawing more applicants than places, and junior volunteer applications have also ended. The official conditions are just two: applicants must be 15 or older on the activity day, and junior-high students may not take part; and they must be able to handle everyday conversation and reading and writing in Japanese. No nationality condition is stated. People who can handle a foreign language tick a box on the form, and the organisers say they may be asked to look after overseas runners. There is no pay, meal or transport allowance; the committee provides staff wear, a face towel and other items, and the wear is collected after the race, cleaned and reused at the next one.