Once a limited official classificatory competition, valid for entry in serious world-class events such as the Summer Olympic Games and the IAAF World Championships, this globally famous trial had its form changed in 2012, in response to the requests from legions of marathon fans avid to take part in it, and currently is open for thousands of female runners. Since those changes, the event has consecutively broken records of number of female participants, currently listed in the Guinness World Records at an astounding 21,915 people for its 2018 edition.

The race starts and finishes at one of the city’s most distinguished sports landmark, Nagoya Dome, and its level course passes close to renowned attractions of the city. Besides the competition thrill provided by the disciplined elite racers, the time limit of 7 hours allows the fulfilling and leisurely participation of amateurs and beginners, and the crowd of runners, with their colorful and playful participation, is the source of many laughs, heart-wrenching scenes of effort and perseverance, and a sight worth beholding.

Simultaneous to the competition, at the Nagoya Dome, is the Marathon EXPO, a free-admission sports-themed fair, where booths offer refreshments, fine food, live entertainment, and merchandise related to sports, health, and beauty. Installed at the Dome’s pitch, it will be open to the public during the event's weekend.

The Nagoya International Women’s Marathon holds the top rating of Gold Label at The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for road races. Competitions of the same rating include New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon, among others. It also allows participants to optionally donate to charities at the time of application, gathers over 9,000 voluntaries for its execution, and awards gift sets of exclusive feminine products provided by famous brands, such as Tiffany and Nike, to all finishing participants. The city virtually stops for this eagerly awaited event, so make sure to join the crowds in watching it!