Event Detail
The 58th All Japan University Ekiden Championship (Chichibunomiya Cup) brings Japan's leading university distance-running squads to a one-day team relay from Nagoya to Ise. It is one of Japan's three major collegiate ekiden competitions, alongside the Izumo and Hakone relays, and decides the national university ekiden champion.
The 2026 course and field
On Sunday 1 November 2026, the starting gun is scheduled for 8:10 am Japan Standard Time outside the west gate of Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya. The finish is at Uji Bridge by Ise Grand Shrine, Mie Prefecture. Teams cover a combined 106.8 km over eight successive legs (9.5, 11.1, 11.9, 11.8, 12.4, 12.8, 17.6 and 19.7 km). Earlier stretches feature frequent small changes in gradient, while the latter sections are comparatively flat. Runners hand over a traditional tasuki sash at designated relay stations.
The organisers have confirmed 27 teams for 2026: eight seeded universities, 17 teams qualified through regional competitions and two open student-selection teams. Team entries were confirmed on 8 October. This is an invitation/qualification-based inter-university championship, not a public-entry fun run or individual 10K.
Following the race
The official race website provides course maps, the eight stage descriptions, relay-station access directions, competing schools and event updates. Public transport is generally preferable to driving to busy relay points. Near the start, Atsuta Jingu Nishi subway station is around a three-minute walk from the west gate; Jingu-mae railway station is about ten minutes away. The Ise finish area can be reached using local transport from Ise-shi. Allow extra time and follow any day-specific traffic restrictions and steward instructions.
TV Asahi's network has advertised live coverage beginning at 7:45 am JST. Spectators unable to attend can follow official coverage and updates.
Important ARC classification note: The total team course is 106.8 km, not a solo 10K. ARC does not currently offer a 106.8K/team-relay structured distance; the approximate 10K stage-length classification used for required filtering must be corrected or specially labelled before publication. There is no general public registration, entry fee or individual race pack.