Event Detail
International masters ekiden in Wakayama
The World Masters Games Kansai 2027 Ekiden is a team road-running relay on Sunday 23 May 2027 at Tanabe Sports Park, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is an official athletics competition within the World Masters Games, a major international multi-sport festival for adult athletes taking place across Japan's Kansai region from 14 to 30 May. Teams pass a traditional Japanese tasuki sash between runners rather than racing the full distance individually.
Distances, teams and starts
Three separate competitions are scheduled on 23 May (all times Japan Standard Time, UTC+9):
- Men's relay: six legs of 3 km, 18 km overall, starting 9:00 am; six runners.
- Women's relay: five legs of 3 km, 15 km overall, starting 11:30 am; five runners.
- Mixed relay: six legs of 3 km, 18 km overall, starting 1:30 pm; three women and three men.
Each team has a manager, who may also compete, and may name up to two substitutes. Entrants must be 30 or older, born on or before 15 May 1997; individual legs have specific age-band and, for mixed teams, gender requirements. The published competition guide lists capacity at 50 teams per division. Medals are planned for the first three teams in each division and the leading stage performances.
Registration and race-day logistics
Registration is through the official World Masters Games entry system. The standard Games athlete participation fee is ¥34,000 for residents outside Japan or ¥15,000 for Japan residents, per athlete; it covers entry to up to five Games sport disciplines, with no separate ekiden extra fee listed. The general application deadline is 28 February 2027, subject to earlier closure if places fill. In its 15 October 2026 update, the organiser listed ekiden among events with capacity still available, but live availability must be checked when booking.
Check-in at Tanabe Sports Park is scheduled for Saturday 22 May, 1:00–6:00 pm, or race day: men's 7:00–8:30 am, women's 9:30–11:00 am, mixed 11:30 am–1:00 pm. The venue is at 1-23-1-1 Uenoyama, Tanabe; organiser guidance describes a roughly 10-minute shuttle journey from Kii-Tanabe Station. Confirm transport arrangements directly before travelling.
Note: This team ekiden is a distinct competition from the Games' individual 10 km road race and half marathon. The women's 15 km and men's/mixed 18 km totals are not individual race distances. Check the official event page and sport regulations for eligibility and updates.