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The Oita International Wheelchair Marathon was first held in 1981 in commemoration of the International Year of the Disabled as the world’s first international marathon event only for wheelchair users. Now, as an officially sanctioned World ParaAthletics event, the race brings together a large number of wheelchair athletes from inside and outside Japan for a fierce competition in the top wheelchair marathon event in the world.

Last year, the 40th Commemorative Oita International Wheelchair Marathon was postponed due to the spread of Covid-19, and in its place, we invited athletes within Japan to participate in the “Oita Wheelchair Marathon 2020”, which was held while taking various infectious disease control measures.

Starting anew with the 40th Commemorative Event this year, the course which weaved through a residential area has been renewed to a primarily straight and flat course, and the race will be held with 148 participants competing from Japan and abroad, including eight international athletes who are among the world’s top and have long associations with our event.

While still basking in the afterglow of the 2020 Paralympic Games this summer, during which we were deeply moved by numerous exciting battles and courageous athletes, the people of Oita and all of the staff involved are now delighted to share with you “Oita United”, the 40th Commemorative Event, here at the birthplace of parasports in Japan.

On November 21st, 2021, “Each one of us has a goal”.

As autumn deepens in Oita, the volunteers and the many people who support this event are excited to welcome all the athletes working towards their own goals.