The race starts and finishes at the Yanmar Stadium Nagai, where numerous international races are hosted such as 2007 World Athletics Championships, and covers the most scenic and historic area of Osaka City. After leaving the Stadium, runners will make their way northward to the Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous and historic castles. And then runners will run under beautiful ginkgo trees along Midosuji street, the main street of Osaka. The course is mostly flat with little change in elevation and protected from wind by buildings and trees along the streets.