HITACHI, Ibaraki Prefecture--There’s no shortage of marathons in Japan each year as there are literally dozens to choose from.

So add this one to the calendar: the inaugural Hitachi Seaside Marathon slated for Nov. 17.

Organizers promise magnificent coastal views are in store for those who complete the 42.195-kilometer course.

If Hitachi city officials and others on the steering committee have their way, the event will rank as one of the nation’s top marathons in years to come.

A side benefit for residents is the opportunity to engage in a healthy activity and deepen their bonds with each other, officials said.

At a general meeting held here last fall to set up the steering committee, members of the committee suggested that officials focus on the marathon being “an all-town competition” based on “quality hospitality to motivate people to visit again.”

Hitachi city is already home to the Hitachi Sakura Road Race, a half marathon held in spring.

Momentum for the marathon grew out of calls among residents to organize an event when no significant races were planned.

Besides giving residents the chance to take part, other objectives center on ways to energize local communities by luring more visitors to Hitachi and revitalizing the regional economy during one of the coldest times of year.

The marathon is expected to generate between 600 million yen and 700 million yen ($4.1 million to $4.8 million) in new spending. Officials said the estimate was based on projected costs for lodging, food and beverages, sightseeing, souvenirs, transportation and so on.

The course will connect the starting point inside an athletic park in Hitachi’s Higashi-Narusawacho 2-chome district with the Hitachi bypass on National Road No. 6 that is known as the Hitachi Seaside Road.

National Road No. 245, along with the Hitachi Bus Rapid Transit and an area around the works affiliated with Hitachi Ltd., will form part of the route.

The Hitachi Seaside Road will offer runners breathtaking ocean views.

Organizers are forging ahead with procedures to get the event recognized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.

A major challenge is how to attract hordes of runners, given the slew of marathons that are held nationwide each year.

As it is, four JAAF-endorsed full marathons--the Katsuta Marathon, Kasumigaura Marathon, Tsukuba Marathon and Mitokomon Manyu Marathon--all take place in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Similar competitions are held throughout Japan during autumn, winter and early spring, too.

But that has not discouraged Hitachi city’s sports promotion department, which serves as the steering panel’s secretariat.

“Established events feature loads of regular runners who take part every year,” said a municipal representative. “We will make our marathon more appealing by drawing on good aspects of those events.”

The official noted that the inaugural event is vitally important.

“Reports on how well the first event is arranged can go viral on the internet. That will determine whether runners will want to compete in the second and subsequent marathons.”

The official pledged all-out efforts “to win the confidence of runners and attract a string of repeat visitors.”

Every effort is being made to render the event stress-free by providing cozy changing spaces, bathrooms and baggage storage services on a grand scale.

The organizers are in talks to set up temporary parking lots and shuttle bus transportation to link the race site and a Japan Railway station nearby.

A special quota for residents is envisioned in the hope of encouraging local joggers to join in the fun.

Drink and food stations will offer the not only usual standard beverages but also regional specialties and edible items aimed at “wowing” contestants.

A range of programs will take place on the sidelines of the marathon. Some national celebrities may be invited. The intention is to make the marathon a festive occasion, even for non-runners.

The race event will be limited to 10,000 competitors. Only those aged 18 or over can participate, meaning high schoolers will be ineligible.

Organizers set a six-hour time limit for runners to make it to the finish line. The entry fee will be 10,000 yen.

The Hitachi Seaside Marathon is due to be held on the third Sunday of November each year. This year’s event is slated for Nov. 17. Runners will be solicited from April.