Expanding opportunities for children
with disabilities to take part in society,
so they can live confident,
fulfilling, and joyful lives
The YMCA International Charity Run is an ekiden
(relay road race) that supports children
with disabilities and deepens understanding
of disability. First held in Tokyo in 1987,
it now takes place at 20 locations across Japan,
with more than 15,000 participants.
Entry fees help fund programs for children
with disabilities, as well as volunteer
training and equipment costs.
Why not run together, have fun,
and help make a difference?
For more about YMCA's special needs
programs, please see the page below.
Endorsements
sponsorship
- Cabinet Office
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Japan Sports Agency
- Children and Families Agency
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- Koto City
- Japan National Council of Social Welfare
Event Overview
overview
A team of 6 representatives (mixed gender) completes
6 laps of an approximately 1.3 km course, with each member running one lap.
Ekiden (Relay Road Race)
-
Date & Time
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10:00–14:00
-
Venue
Special course inside Kiba Park (Tokyo Metropolitan)
10-minute walk from Kiba Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) -
Race Rules
A team of 6 representatives completes 6 laps
of an approximately 1 km course, with each member running one lap. -
Fee
¥100,000 per team
*Entry fees and sponsorship donations are eligible
for preferential tax treatment as tax-deductible donations. -
Schedule
10:00 Registration opens 10:30 Kids' Run gathering (event program) 11:30 Opening ceremony 12:00 Race begins / Awards ceremony 14:00 Closing ceremony "Team Race" (Online)
An event using a walking app.
Teams of 6–20 compete based on the team's average step count during the event period.
Dates: Late November to early December 2026 (planned)
[Individual] "Easy Walk" (Online)
An event using a walking app.
There is no ranking, so join at your own pace and have fun.
Dates: Late November to early December 2026 (planned) -
Organized by
Tokyo YMCA (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) /
Tokyo YMCA International Charity Run
Organizing Committee -
Co-organized by
National Council of YMCAs of Japan
(Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) -
Endorsed by
Cabinet Office / Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare /
Japan Sports Agency / Children and Families Agency /
Japan National Council of Social Welfare /
Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Koto City -
In cooperation with
Y's Men's International, Japan East Region
(General Incorporated Association) /
Y's Men's Clubs in Tokyo
Registration
how to participate
You can choose from the three options
below.
Multiple teams from the same company
or organization are also welcome.
Please also see the Team & Sponsor Benefits.
-
Join the Ekiden as a Team
-
Fee
¥100,000 / team
Take part in the ekiden and the online walking event.
-
Fee
-
Join as a Team Sponsor
-
Fee
¥100,000 / team
For the ekiden, the organizing office provides
runners who run under your sponsor name.
For the online walking event, you can also
form a team and take part yourself. -
Fee
-
Join as an Operations Sponsor
-
Fee
Any amount welcome
-
In-kind
Prizes, giveaways, and similar items
We welcome donations and product contributions
from individuals, companies, and organizations
who support our mission.
There is no minimum amount, but contributions
equivalent to ¥100,000 or more come with benefits. -
Fee
Team & Sponsor Benefits
benefits
Companies and organizations that take part
or sponsor receive the benefits below.
Please use this as an opportunity for social contribution and visibility.
*Entry fees and sponsorship donations are eligible
for preferential tax treatment as tax-deductible donations.
-
5+ teams /
¥500,000+ in support- Display your company flag on the stage.
- Feature your logo in the next recruitment announcement.
-
Feature your logo and PR in the event-day program.
Ad space depends on the number of teams. -
Feature your logo on the
Tokyo YMCA website.
-
3 teams /
¥300,000+ in support- Display your company flag on the stage.
- Feature your logo in the next recruitment announcement.
-
Feature your logo and PR in the event-day program.
Ad space depends on the number of teams. -
Feature your logo on the
Tokyo YMCA website.
-
2 teams /
¥200,000+ in support- Feature your logo in the next recruitment announcement.
-
Feature your logo and PR in the event-day program.
Ad space depends on the number of teams. -
Feature your logo on the
Tokyo YMCA website.
-
1 team /
¥100,000+ in support-
Feature your logo and PR in the event-day program.
Ad space depends on the number of teams. -
Feature your logo on the
Tokyo YMCA website.
-
Feature your logo and PR in the event-day program.
Volunteer
volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help with event
operations, such as setting up the venue and guiding runners.
Race Rules
rules
-
The Race
· A mixed-gender team of 6 representatives.
· An ekiden in which each team runs 6 laps (one lap per member) of an approximately 1 km special course in Kiba Park.
· Each runner wears a number bib on their chest showing the team number and running order. (Bibs are provided by the organizing office.)
-
Awards
· Trophies are awarded to the top three teams.
· Prizes are awarded to top-finishing teams.
· Special awards include the Oldest Team Award, Costume Award, and Hidden Time Award.
· All teams receive a certificate of record.
-
Other
· Held in light rain (canceled in severe weather).
*Entry fees are non-refundable even if the event is canceled. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in support of the event's mission.· The organizing office and the host YMCA assume no responsibility for any accidents involving runners during the race.
· Photos taken during the event may be used in YMCA materials and YMCA-approved publications. If you have any concerns, please notify the organizing office in advance.
· Simple changing rooms and a first-aid room will be available.
· No food or beverage sales are planned at the venue.
