Recruitment Begins for the 39th 2026 Ageo City Half Marathon; Running Events for Preschoolers and Guardians, and Elementary/Junior High School Students Revived for the First Time in Two Years

The Ageo City Half Marathon Executive Committee (Chairman: Minoru Hatakeyama, Executive Committee Chairman: Yoshihiro Yanase) will begin accepting applications for the "39th 2026 Ageo City Half Marathon" [to be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026] starting Wednesday, July 1. On Saturday the 21st, the "Junior Challenge Run" will feature a Parent-Child Pair Run (for preschoolers and guardians), an Elementary School Student Division, and a Junior High School Student Division. On Sunday the 22nd, the Half Marathon Division and the 5km Division will take place. The application deadline is Monday, August 31. Each distance will close once the capacity is reached. For details, please visit the official event website (https://ageocity-marathon.com/).

The "Ageo City Half Marathon" is one of Japan's leading half marathon events, attracting many top collegiate and corporate runners annually. The course winds through Ageo City's urban areas and its lush outskirts, drawing attention from track and field and ekiden (long-distance relay race) fans. For the Half Marathon and 5km divisions on Sunday the 22nd, the finish line will be at the Ageo Sports Park Athletics Stadium, which has recently completed renovations, marking its return as the finish point for the first time in two years. Experiencing the thrill of crossing the finish line within the stadium is one of the event's highlights. Additionally, guest runners will include Yuki Kawauchi, a former Saitama Prefecture employee and professional runner (Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance), and Tomoka Hasegawa, known as "Japan's Fastest Announcer" and a certified running master.

Furthermore, on the preceding day, Saturday the 21st, the "Junior Challenge Run," a running event for participants from preschoolers (with guardians) to junior high school students, will be held for the first time in two years. UD Trucks Manufacturing Ltd., a sponsor of the event, will provide participation gifts and attractive prizes as the "UD Trucks Award" for the top three finishers in each category. We look forward to your participation in this event, which offers enjoyment for a wide range of generations, from children to adults.

< Message from Guest Participant Tomoka Hasegawa >

This is my fourth time participating. I am very happy to be involved every year.

On the day, whether you aim to enjoy yourself or achieve a personal best, let's run towards your respective goals.

I look forward to seeing you all again this year!

Event Overview

Event Name: 39th 2026 Ageo City Half Marathon

Organizers: City of Ageo, Ageo City Board of Education, Ageo City Sports Association, Saitama Athletics Association (General Incorporated Foundation)

Events:

[Saturday, November 21] Parent-Child Pair Run (Preschoolers and Guardians), 1km, 1.5km, 2km

[Sunday, November 22] 5km Division, Half Marathon Division

*Event will proceed rain or shine.

Number of Participants:

Parent-Child Pair Run: 100 pairs (200 people)

Elementary School Student Division: 720 people (60 people per event)

Junior High School Student Division: 180 people (60 female, 120 male)

5km Division: 1,600 people

Half Marathon Division: 5,500 people

(Closing once capacity is reached)

Participation Benefits: All participants will receive an original event towel.

Original Event Towel

Awards

[Half Marathon Division, 5km Division]

Awards: Certificates and prizes for 1st to 8th place in each event.

[Junior Challenge Run]

Participation Gift: Provided by UD Trucks Manufacturing Ltd.

Awards: "UD Trucks Award" for 1st to 3rd place in each event.

Runner Recruitment

Eligibility: Healthy individuals who can complete the race within the time limit.

Participation Fees:

Parent-Child Pair Run: 1,000 yen

Elementary School Student Division (Grades 1-4): 500 yen

Elementary School Student Division (Grades 5-6): 800 yen

Junior High School Student Division: 800 yen

5km (15 years and older, excluding junior high school students): 4,000 yen

Half Marathon (15 years and older, excluding junior high school students): 7,000 yen

Application Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026

(Closing for each distance once capacity is reached)

Ageo Resident Priority Entry: Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 3

https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/105865

Priority entry applicants residing in Ageo will receive McDonald's products from sponsor McDonald's Ageo Sports Park store.

General Entry Period: Saturday, July 4 – Monday, August 31

https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/106112

Application Method: Apply via internet or telephone.

*For other application details, please visit the official event website.

Official Event Website: https://ageocity-marathon.com/

Official Event T-shirt

Available for purchase by participants at the time of application via Sports Entry, and by others via the official event website. Sales price is 2,500 yen (shipping included, tax included).

Official Event T-shirt