What is the MGC Series?

The MGC Series is a series of marathon races in Japan that determines the annual national marathon champions (Japan Championship winners). The overall series standings are used to select the Japanese national team for major international competitions.

What is the significance of Kobe Marathon 2026 being added to the MGC Series 2026-27?

The inclusion of Kobe Marathon 2026 as a participating event means that its results will contribute to the MGC Series points. This provides another opportunity for elite runners to earn points towards becoming the national champion and potentially qualifying for international events.

How are the MGC Series champions determined?

The MGC Series champions are determined by the overall series standings, calculated based on the performance points earned in designated races over a two-year period. The top two races' scores are summed, with at least one race needing to be a participating event in the current MGC Series.

What is the eligibility period for the MGC Series 2026-27 points?

The MGC Series points for 2026-27 are calculated based on races from March 10, 2025, to mid-March 2027, covering both the MGC Series 2025-26 and MGC Series 2026-27 periods.

MGC Series 2026-27: Kobe Marathon 2026 Confirmed as a Participating Event!

Q: What is the prize for winning the MGC Series?

The series champion is provisionally selected for the Japanese national team for the Marathon at the World Athletics Championships.

Published Mar 30, 2026 9:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 2, 2026 1:01 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Kobe Marathon 2026 has been selected as a participating event in the MGC Series 2026-27.

We are pleased to announce that the "Kobe Marathon 2026 (Men's G2/Women's G3)" has been selected as a participating event in the "MGC Series 2026-27," which determines the annual marathon champions (Japan Championship winners). > MGC Series Special Site https://www.mgc42195.jp/series/2025-26/

The "MGC Series 2026-27" covers a two-year period, including the preceding MGC Series 2025-26 (from March 10, 2025, to mid-March 2027). The overall series standings, calculated based on race results during this period, will determine Japan's top marathoner – the Japan Championship winner. The series champion will be provisionally selected for the Japanese national team for the Marathon at the "World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027" to be held in Beijing, China.

【MGC Series】 Each series covers the period from the day after the previous series ends until mid-March of the following year, with participants competing for overall series standings.

【MGC Series 2026-27 Participating and Designated Events】 (1) MGC Series 2026-27 Participating Events ● 28th Nagano Marathon (Men's G3) ● Hokkaido Marathon 2026 (Men's G2/Women's G2) ● Kobe Marathon 2026 (Men's G2/Women's G3) NEW!

(2) MGC Series Point Designated Events ● World Marathon Majors and WA Platinum Label Races ● Events for Japanese National Team Dispatch ● MGC (Marathon Grand Championship)

Overview of Series Point Eligibility Period The "MGC Series Points 2026-27" will cover the following two-year period. The MGC Series Points will be the total score from two races with the highest performance points within this period. ※However, one of the two races must be a participating event in the "MGC Series 2026-27."

● MGC Series 2025-26 (March 10, 2025 – March 1, 2026 for men, March 8, 2026 for women) ● MGC Series 2026-27 (March 9, 2026 – until the final G1 race in 2027)

Event Information (Participating Events) 【Kobe Marathon 2026】 ● Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026 ● Location: In front of Kobe City Hall (Start), Kobe Harborland (Finish) ● Event Page:

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

MGC Series 2026-27: Kobe Marathon 2026 Confirmed as a Participating Event!

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