The event began in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the opening of Otaru Port, and is now in its 37th year. This is a historic event in which runners run through the Otaru Port area, taking in the fresh sea breeze, mainly around the Otaru Canal, one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations, lined with historical stone warehouses.

<Changes for the 37th tournament>
■ We have increased the number of age categories.
We have increased the number of age categories for the 10km and 5km events! We aimed to create a competition where it is easier to aim for awards and set goals. We have also added a new category where elementary school children can participate.

■ 2.3km event
Until now, this event was advertised as a 2km event, but some people thought the distance was too long, so we re-measured it and made it a 2.3km event!

■ A fun run section has been set up
Aiming to make it an event that anyone can easily participate in, we have set up a fun run event with a wide age limit! (Anyone over 15 years old, excluding junior high school students, can participate.) (There will be no ranking. Please run freely!) The course and starting time are the same as the 2.3km event, so you can enjoy running along the canal. It's also good to run in trendy cosplay or fancy dress! It's good to combine a light run with a trip, or run with your elementary school-aged children or grandchildren! It's an event with a high degree of freedom.

■Participants can be from the lower grades of elementary school
In response to requests from people who want to participate in the Otaru Canal Road Race while their children are still young, a participation category for lower elementary school students has been set up. If parents enter the Fun Run category, the whole family can run the same course together.