The Fukuoka International Marathon is one of the most historic elite marathons in the world, held each December in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. The 42.2 km race runs on an AIMS-certified course and has a long tradition of fast times and high-level competition. The race starts at 12:10 local time and has strict qualifying standards, so the field is made up of experienced, competitive runners. For athletes with a qualifying time, it is a prestigious December marathon with a rich history in Japanese distance running.