Event Detail
The Empress' Cup returns to Kyoto on Sunday 17 January 2027 for the 45th All-Japan Inter-Prefectural Women's Ekiden, a national championship in which teams representing Japan's 47 prefectures race for collective honours. The race starts at 12:30 pm Japan Standard Time, with the opening and finishing stages at Takebishi Stadium Kyoto, also known as Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium. It is a competitive road relay, not a public-entry marathon.
The nine-leg Kyoto course
The total relay distance is 42.195 km, divided among nine runners. Rather than following a single mass-start marathon pack, competitors pass the team sash (tasuki) between legs at designated exchange points around Kyoto. The official course visits Kinugasa, Karasuma-Kuramaguchi, Marutamachi-Kawaramachi, Kitashirakawa, and the Kyoto International Conference Centre area before returning through central Kyoto to the stadium.
The published stages are 6 km, 4 km, 3 km, 4 km, 4.1075 km, 4.0875 km, 4 km, 3 km and 10 km. The 10 km anchor leg is particularly significant because the final runner must protect or overturn the team's position on the run back to the finish. Teams' performance depends on both individual speed and the consistency of every exchange.
Who competes, and how to follow
The Japan Association of Athletics Federations organises this longstanding national event to develop women's middle- and long-distance running, bringing together prefectural selections rather than accepting ordinary recreational entries. Prefectural athletics associations handle team selection and eligibility; there is no public registration package, race fee or fun-run category associated with the championship.
For spectators, Takebishi Stadium Kyoto in Ukyo Ward is the main starting and finishing landmark. The stadium is accessible from Nishikyogoku Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Those hoping to see exchanges elsewhere should check the current organiser course map and any race-day access or road restrictions before travelling; roadside arrangements can differ by location. The event is scheduled to proceed in rain.
The championship is organised by Japan Association of Athletics Federations, with Kyoto Shimbun and NHK as co-hosts and the Kyoto athletics association handling local competition operations. The official 2027 event programme is scheduled for release close to race day, so team lists and final spectator details should be checked on the organiser's website nearer the event.