Sponsor
Concept
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!
Race
Information
Event Information
| Event Name | Japan–U.S. Friendship Relay Marathon 2025 in Iwakuni |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Iwakuni City |
| Supervising Organization | Iwakuni Corporate Association (General Incorporated Association) |
| Supporters | U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Iwakuni City Sports Association, Iwakuni Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Sponsors | JA Yamaguchi Prefecture, YouMe Town Minami-Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Bank, American Engineering Corporation |
| Date |
Sunday, December 7, 2025 *Rain or shine |
| Venue | Atago Sports Complex Athletics Stadium (2-chome Atago-cho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) |
| Course | Special course inside the venue (approx. 1.4 km per lap) |
| Categories |
Matching with Foreign Teams
|
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Team Capacity | 170 teams (4–15 members per team, first-come basis) |
| Entry Fee (incl. tax) |
Adults: ¥2,000 per person High school students: ¥1,500 per person Junior high school students & younger: ¥1,000 per person |
| Participation Award | Muffler towel |
| Awards | Top 3 in each division Top 3 Costume Awards Surprise awards |
| Eligibility |
|
| Entry Period |
Priority Entry (Residents of Iwakuni City & sister cities Ginowan City and Tottori City) General Entry |
| Entry Method |
Priority Entry (Iwakuni City & sister city residents)
|
| Information |
|
Guest Runner
Yuri Tamura,
Announcer at RCC
Regarding Matching with Guest Runners
Teams that wish to run together with a Guest Runner should check the box for “Request to be matched with a Guest Runner” on the application form.
One team will be selected by lottery from among the applicants.
MC
TOMOT
From world tennis and professional basketball leagues to trail running, urban sports, para-sports, radio DJing, music festivals, and cultural events—he has mastered them all! Known for motivating runners nonstop for 65 hours and for drawing in not only the audience but also staff and everyone at the venue, his boundless energy has earned him the title of Ultra MC in the industry.
Mai Kroll
Birthday: February 19
Hometown: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hobbies & Special Skills:
Classical ballet, cheer dance, horseback riding, baton twirling, juggling, Go, German, English, singing, violin, cake making, and watching movies.
Motto: Always keep challenging myself.
Main TV Appearances:
• mix (Monday–Friday, 4:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
• Chigumaya Family Plus (Every Saturday, 9:25 a.m.)
Schedule
Sunday, December 7
| 6:30 | Parking opens |
|---|---|
| 8:20 | Reception opens |
| 9:10 | 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
Race Rules
Team Composition
- Each team must consist of 4 to 15 members.
- Each runner must complete at least one lap.
- The order of runners and number of laps per runner are up to each team. A runner may run again after resting.
- The tasuki (sash) will be provided by the organizer.
- Exchange the sash only within the designated relay zone. Exchanges outside the designated zone are prohibited.
- Lap counts and times will be recorded by the organizer.
- Timing will be managed using the IC chip attached to the sash, which will be distributed to each team (one per team).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
Attire & Conduct
- Costumes and clothing are free, but participants may be disqualified if attire obstructs other runners or is deemed socially inappropriate by the organizer.
- Dangerous acts that may affect other participants (e.g., dribbling a ball while running) are prohibited.
Special Rules for the Sweets Division
- Runners must eat sweets at the designated Sweets Zone on each lap.
- If a runner from outside the Sweets Division consumes sweets, their entire team will be disqualified.
Entry Regulations
- After completing registration, no changes, transfers, cancellations, or refunds will be accepted.
- 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.
- All participants are considered to have agreed to the event regulations upon completing registration.
- The team representative must confirm agreement to all items in the Team Member List & Participation Waiver from each member and submit it on race day.
- False declarations regarding age, gender, or number of team members will result in disqualification without refund.
Event Cancellation or Changes
- 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.
- If the organizer deems it unsafe to continue, participants may be instructed to stop running.
- In case of cancellation or changes, announcements will be made on the official website.
Medical Emergencies
- In case of accidents, injuries, or illness during the event, the organizer may provide first aid. Participants may not hold the organizer responsible for the method or outcome of such treatment.
- Participants are responsible for managing their own health condition and are advised to undergo a medical check-up before the race.
- Do not participate if you are feeling unwell on the day of the event.
- Please bring your health insurance card for emergencies.
Handling of Personal Information
- Participants agree that names, ages, genders, results, and images may be reported, published, or used in newspapers, TV, magazines, internet, brochures, etc. The rights belong to the organizer.
- 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
- The organizer provides accident insurance for all participants, but compensation is limited to the insurance coverage.
- Apart from first aid, the organizer will not be held responsible for any injury, illness, accident, theft, or loss during the event.
- 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.
- The organizer does not verify allergen labeling of sweets. Participants are responsible for checking for food allergies.
Other Notes
- Parking is limited. Please carpool when possible.
- Stay hydrated on your own, but alcohol consumption is prohibited.
- In the cheering zone (inside the infield), hydration is permitted but eating is not.
- Be aware that pedestrians may cross the course. Please exercise caution and avoid causing inconvenience.
- Sheets and tents must be placed only in designated areas (cheering zones or stands).
- 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.
- No trash bins are provided. Please take your garbage home.
- The venue is smoke-free. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas (near the stairs below the tennis courts).
- Train adequately before participating in the event.