日米神前リレーマラソン in岩国

2026/12/6 Atago Sports Complex Athletics Stadium 2026/12/6 Atago Sports Complex Athletics Stadium

Priority Entry for Residents
of Iwakuni City and Sister Cities
(Ginowan City and Tottori City) September 1, 2026 (Tue) 12:00 – September 30, 2026 (Wed) 23:59 Additional Entry September 1, 2026 (Tue) 12:00 – November 15, 2026 (Sun) 23:59

Concept

日米神前リレーマラソンの様子

Run together, unite the bonds between Japan and the U.S.! Pass the sash in a relay and make it a day full of smiles and energy! Join this exciting exchange event where hearts come together across borders. Beginners are more than welcome!

キャラクター

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Race
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Event Information

Event Name Japan-U.S. Friendship Relay Marathon 2026 in Iwakuni
Organizer Iwakuni City
Supervising Organization Iwakuni Corporate Association (General Incorporated Association)
Supporters MCAS Iwakuni, Iwakuni Sports Association (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation), Iwakuni Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sponsors JA Yamaguchi-ken, Youme Town Minami Iwakuni, The Yamaguchi Bank, Ltd., American Engineering Corporation
Date

Sunday, December 6, 2026

*The event will be held rain or shine.
Venue Atago Sports Complex Athletic Stadium (2-chome Atago-machi, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Course Relay marathon course in the venue (approx. 1.4 km per lap)
Categories
  • Ⅰ. General Division (Open to all ages and genders)
  • Ⅱ. International Exchange Division (Mixed teams of Japanese and non-Japanese participants)
  • Ⅲ. Elementary School Division (Elementary school students only)
  • Ⅳ. Workplace Division (Teams composed of coworkers, business partners, etc.)
  • Ⅴ. Sweets Division (open to all ages and genders, 40 teams only. Registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Teams (or Runners) Matching System for International Exchange Division Runners

  1. Please select “Matching Request” when entering the marathon online if wishing to run in an internationally mixed team. Runners matched for the team will be automatically be registered for International Exchange Division, with which those who selected other divisions when signing up for the race will be running in the division.
  2. The organizer is given discretion to give teams their names. (e.g. “ Team of matched runners XX and YY “, “XX and YY Mixed”, etc.).
  3. Only non-Japanese runners can apply solo or with friends to find match.
Time Limit 3 hours
Maximum Number of Teams 170 teams (4 to 15 runners per team) Registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis. (Breakdown: 145 Japanese teams, 25 U.S. teams)
Participation Fee Adults: 2,000 yen/person
High school students: 1,500 yen/person
Junior high school students and under: 1,000 yen/person
Participation Prize Original Neck Tube
Awards Division Race 1st to 3rd place, Costume awards 1st to 3rd place, Surprise awards
Eligibility

Healthy participants, elementary school age or older, who can complete one lap (1.4 km) on their own.

  • Not allowed: participation by carrying children (piggyback/holding), wheelchairs, or with guide dogs.
  • Allowed: participation with a guide runner for visually impaired participants or those with physical disabilities.
  • For the Elementary School Division, a guardian/chaperone is required.
Entry Period

Priority Entry (Residents of Iwakuni City & sister cities Ginowan City and Tottori City)
September 1, 2026 (Tue) 12:00 – September 30, 2026 (Wed) 23:59

General Entry
October 1, 2026 (Thu) 12:00 – November 15, 2026 (Sun) 23:59
Entry Method

Priority Entry (Iwakuni City & sister city residents)

Additional Entry (Available after entry)

  • *Applicants must enter name of a team representative, a team name, the number of team members, and a division. Details of each member must be entered at a later date prior to the event.
  • *If you wish to add more member(s) to your team after completing the entry, please register the member(s) on the desiganted event website.
Information
  • Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Changing rooms are available; baggage storage is not provided.
  • Live race updates available on the official event website.
  • No pre-race mailings will be sent. A Participation Notice Email will be sent to the representative approx. one week before the event.
  • On race day, the representative must present the “Participation Notice Email” screen at the reception. Items distributed at reception: Tasuki sash with timing chip, bib numbers, program and participation award.
  • Rubber mats for protecting the artificial turf (for tent leg bases) will be available for rent (first-come basis, limited supply) at the reception.
  • A Gourmet Marche (food market) will be held at the venue.
  • Inflatable playground equipment will be set up (with cooperation from U.S. Marine Corps Community Services).

Guest Runner

安田美沙子

Misako Yasuda,
Talent

Born on April 21, 1982, in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. She won the “Miss Young Magazine” title in 2002 and began her career as a television personality and actress. Her acting credits include NHK’s morning drama series “Carnation.” She currently appears regularly on the TBS Radio program “Oshiete! Kabegami no Koto.” She is also known as an avid runner, having completed the Nagoya Women’s Marathon in approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes. In addition to producing her own product brand, “FOUR O FIVE,” she is a mother of two and shares content on lifestyle and food education.

Matching with Guest Runner

Teams wishing to run with the guest runner should select “Wish to match with the guest runner” on the online application form. One team will be selected by lottery.

MC

ドン・パーディ（バイリンガルMC）

Don Purdy (Bilingual MC)

A bilingual MC and announcer for a wide range of sports, including basketball, triathlon, track and field, and rugby. He also works in commercial voice-over, narration, corporate and international events, and translation. Based in Okinawa, he works at events throughout Japan.

Schedule

Sunday, December 6

6:30 Parking opens
8:20 Reception opens
9:05 Attraction
9:20 Reception closes
Opening Ceremony begins
9:35 Zumba
10:00 Relay Marathon Start
13:00 Relay Marathon Time Limit
13:15 Award Ceremony
14:00 Event Ends

Course

コースマップ

Event Rules

Race

  1. Each team must consist of 4 to 15 members.
  2. Each runner must complete at least one lap.
  3. The order of runners and number of laps per runner are up to each team. A runner may run again after resting.
  4. The tasuki (sash) will be provided by the organizer.
  5. Exchange the sash only within the designated relay zone. Exchanges outside the designated zone are prohibited.
  6. Lap counts and times will be recorded by the organizer.
  7. Timing will be managed using the IC chip attached to the sash, which will be distributed to each team (one per team).
  8. Running without the official sash, or using another team’s sash, will result in no time being recorded. Only sashes provided by the organizer may be used.
  9. After the 3-hour limit, new laps may not be started. Runners already on the course should proceed to the finish line. If teams have the same lap count, rankings will be decided by time.
  10. The sash must be returned after the race. In case of non-return, loss, or damage of the sash/timing chip, the team representative will be charged the actual cost (JPY 4,400).
  11. Runners can wear anything. However, they may be disqualified if they wear things that impede other runners or are deemed socially inappropriate, which is prohibited by the organizer.
  12. Dangerous acts that may affect other runners (e.g. dribbling a ball while running) are prohibited.
  13. Special Rules for the Sweets Division:
    Runners must eat sweets at the designated Sweets Zone on each lap. They must finish sweets completely with nothing left in their mouth before leaving the Sweets Zone. If a runner from outside the Sweets Division consumes sweets, their entire team will be disqualified.

Entry

  1. After completing registration, no changes, transfers, cancellations, or refunds will be accepted.
  2. If applications exceed the capacity, even if payment is completed, the entry may become invalid depending on the payment date. In such cases, refunds will be made after deducting transaction fees.
  3. All runners must read and understand the event regulations. They are considered to have agreed to the event regulations upon completing registration.
  4. The team representative must confirm agreement to all items in the Team Member List & Participation Waiver from each member and register all team members at least one day in advance. Please check“Participation Notice Email”for further information.
  5. False declarations regarding age, gender, or number of team members will result in disqualification without refund.

Cancellation or Change

  1. The race will be held rain or shine. However, in the event of natural disasters (earthquake, storm, snow), accidents, epidemics, or other reasons beyond the organizer’s control, the event may be scaled down or canceled. No refunds will be given in such cases.
  2. If the organizer deems it unsafe to continue, runners may be instructed to stop running.
  3. In case of cancellation or changes, announcements will be made on the official website.

Medical Emergencies

  1. In case of accidents, injuries, or illness during the event, the organizer may provide first aid. Runners may not hold the organizer responsible for the method or outcome of such treatment.
  2. Runners are responsible for managing their own health condition and are advised to undergo a medical check-up before the race.
  3. Do not participate if you are feeling unwell on the day of the event.
  4. Please bring your health isurance-linked to My Number Card or Eligibility Confirmation Certificate for emergencies.

Handling of Personal Information

  1. Runners agree that names, ages, genders, results, and images may be published, or used in newspapers, TV, magazines, internet, brochures, etc. The rights belong to the organizer.
  2. Personal information will not be used for purposes other than the management of this event, related events, and information related to products/services connected to the event.

Disclaimer

  1. The organizer provides accident insurance for all runners, but compensation is limited to the insurance coverage. Apart from first aid, the organizer will not be held responsible for any injury or illness ocurred during the event.
  2. The organizer will not be held responsible for any injury, illness, accident, theft, or loss during the event.
  3. Sweets provided must be consumed on-site for hygiene reasons. Taking them home is prohibited. The organizer assumes no responsibility for food poisoning if taken outside the venue.
  4. The organizer does not verify allergen labeling of sweets. Runners are responsible for checking for food allergies.

Other Notes

  1. Parking is limited. Please carpool when possible.
  2. Stay hydrated on your own, but alcohol consumption is prohibited.
  3. In the cheering zone (inside the infield), hydration is permitted but eating is not.
  4. Be aware that pedestrians may cross the course. Please exercise caution and avoid causing inconvenience.
  5. Sheets and tents must be placed only in designated areas (cheering zones or stands).
  6. For tents with legs, protective rubber mats must be placed under the legs to protect artificial turf. Mats can be rented at reception (limited supply), but bringing your own is recommended.
  7. No trash bins are provided. Please take your garbage home.
  8. Smoking is prohibited at the venue. It is allowed only in designated areas (near the tennis courts).
  9. Lost items will be kept only for one month after the event.
  10. Train adequately before participating in the event.

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