The Nobeoka West Japan Marathon, which welcomes many up-and-coming runners from all over the country, is a full marathon that starts in front of Nobeoka City Hall, turns around in Haramachi, Hyuga City, and finishes in front of City Hall again, and is said to be a stepping stone for new runners. Along with the Fukuoka International Marathon and the Beppu-Oita Marathon, it is one of Kyushu's three major marathons, held on a course certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.