Every autumn, the city of Oita welcomes athletes from around the world to the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon, the first full marathon in the world to be held exclusively for wheelchair racers. Since its inaugural edition in 1981—commemorating the International Year of Disabled Persons—this event has become a global symbol of para-sport excellence and inclusivity. 

The marathon owes much to the vision of Dr. Yutaka Nakamura, a pioneering figure in rehabilitation and para-sport in Japan. His commitment to empowering people with disabilities and creating opportunities for athletic excellence laid the foundation for what has become one of the world’s most respected wheelchair marathons. 

Swiss athletes have been a constant presence since the very early days. Over the years, 30 Swiss competitors have entered a total of 188 races, cementing Switzerland as one of the strongest nations in the history of this event. 

Legends such as Marcel Hug (11-time champion and current world record holder) and Heinz Frei (14-time champion) have long defined the men’s races in Oita, while in the women’s division, Manuela Schär (four-time champion) and Catherine Debrunner (two-time champion and current record holder) have continued to showcase Swiss strength, resilience, and excellence.

Opening Ceremony:
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 14:00-
@ Galleria Takemachi Dome Square

Marathon Start:
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 10:00-
@ in front of the Oita Prefectural Office

For more details, click here.

The connection between Oita and Switzerland has steadily deepened over the years, nurtured by the marathon and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan. What began with individual athletes has grown into a broader story of exchange, friendship, and collaboration.

These ties extend far beyond sport. Through the Host Town initiative, Swiss fairs and school visits have introduced Swiss culture to local students. Cultural partnerships, such as with the Argerich Foundation, and exchanges with Beppu have created further opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding. Friendships have also grown between Swiss athletes and the thousands of dedicated volunteers who make the marathon possible. 

During the past decade, three consecutive Swiss ambassadors have celebrated the marathon in Oita, each highlighting it as a symbol of Swiss–Japanese friendship. Current Ambassador Roger Dubach continues this tradition. Speaking at the 2025 opening ceremony, he emphasized that the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon is not only a world-class competition but also a bridge for the future, connecting communities and strengthening ties between Switzerland, Oita, and Japan. 

One reason the Oita Marathon has thrived for over four decades is the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Each year, around 2,000 volunteers support the event, ensuring that athletes from around the world feel welcome and cared for. 

For Swiss athletes, this hospitality is part of what makes returning to Oita so special. The people of Oita take pride not only in hosting a world-class sporting competition, but also in creating an atmosphere where athletes and spectators alike feel connected. 

This spirit resonates with Switzerland’s own values of community and inclusion, making the bond between Oita and Switzerland both natural and enduring. 

The Embassy would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all the organizations that make the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon possible, especially Oita Prefecture and Oita City for their outstanding hospitality. We also wish to recognize the efforts of the Japan Para-Sports Association / Japan Paralympic Committee, the Japan Para Athletics Federation, Oita Godo Shimbun, Oita Prefecture Council of Social Welfare, and the Oita Disabled Sports Association. Their dedication and support ensure that athletes from around the world can compete safely, enjoyably, and in the spirit of friendship. 

More than four decades since its founding, the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon stands as both a sporting milestone and a cultural bridge. The repeated successes of Swiss athletes highlight Oita’s global character, while their presence strengthens lasting ties of friendship between Oita, Switzerland, and Japan. 

For Switzerland, this event is not only a story of athletic excellence, but also a testament to friendship, hospitality, and shared values that continue to inspire future generations.