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January 2, 2027
Event date:
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January 3, 2027
Event end:
Overview
The Hakone Ekiden 2027 is one of Japan’s most prominent and deeply revered sporting traditions, captivating millions of viewers across the nation every New Year. This iconic two-day collegiate relay marathon features elite university teams from the Kanto region battling through a grueling course that spans from the capital city to the mountains. The race represents the pinnacle of collegiate long-distance running, testing the limits of endurance, teamwork, and mental fortitude.
The historic route covers a massive round-trip distance between central Tokyo and the scenic mountain district of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. On the first day, runners push through intense urban and rural landscapes, culminating in a legendary steep uphill climb to Lake Ashi. The second day reverses the journey, sending athletes flying down treacherous mountain descents and back through coastal towns toward the grand metropolitan finish line.
More than just a sports competition, this event is a cultural phenomenon that symbolizes dedication, sacrifice, and the spirit of Japanese youth. Communities line the entire highway route for hundreds of kilometers to catch a glimpse of the passing athletes and offer their support. The event dominates national media, bringing families together during the holiday season to witness the unfolding human drama and athletic brilliance.
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Event Highlights
- Grueling Mountain Climb: The famous fifth leg features a steep, exhausting uphill ascent into the freezing mountain climate of Hakone.
- Symbolic Sash Passing: Runners transfer a traditional fabric sash called a tasuki, which physically represents team unity and continuity.
- Elite College Rivalries: The competition showcases the absolute top tier of young Japanese long-distance running talent fighting for school glory.
- Massive Roadside Crowds: Hundreds of thousands of passionate spectators brave the winter cold to cheer from the pavements.
Why Attend
The Hakone Ekiden 2027 is ideal for sports enthusiasts, travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, and anyone wanting to experience a unique Japanese New Year tradition. Watching the race in person allows you to feel the incredible speed of the runners and the electrifying energy of the crowd. Spectators benefit from witnessing a legendary event that showcases the core values of teamwork, resilience, and community pride.
Attending this historic event gives you a profound glimpse into a national obsession that is rarely replicated anywhere else in the world. The lively cheers of the fans and the dramatic tension at the relay exchange points create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Kanagawa Prefecture while participating in an inspiring winter celebration.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: January 2–3, 2027
- Event Duration: Two days, with the outward race occurring on the first day and the return race on the second day
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: There are no tickets sold for this public road race as viewing along the highway is completely open.
- Admission Type: Free Admission for all spectators who wish to watch from any safe public space along the race course.
- Ticket Pricing: Viewing the entire event along the streets is completely free for all visitors.
- Special Seating Options: No grandstands or reserved seats are built, meaning spectators stand directly on the sidewalks behind safety barriers.
- VIP Options: Exclusive indoor viewing hospitality areas are sometimes organized privately by corporate sponsors inside buildings near the Tokyo start and finish lines.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Kanagawa, Japan
- Venue Name: National Route 1 running from Tokyo through Yokohama and Odawara to Lake Ashi in Hakone
- Google Maps Address: Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, 250-0521, Japan
Contact Information
- Email: support@kgrr.org
- Phone Number: +81-3-5411-1488
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-ekiden.jp/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Haneda Airport is located approximately 85 kilometers away from the mountain turnaround point in Hakone.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway provides close access to the mountain legs of the course.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Frequent regional Hakone Tozan buses operate along the open roads before and after temporary race closures.
- Parking Availability: No official event parking is provided for spectators, and driving is discouraged due to major holiday road closures.
- Directions by Car: Access the general mountain region using the Odawara-Atsugi Road or the Seisho Bypass highways.
What is this event?
The Hakone Ekiden 2027 is a premier university road relay race that features twenty elite men’s teams competing over a distance of more than two hundred kilometers. It traces its origins back to 1920, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious relay races in the world.
The event is split into ten distinct legs, with five legs run on the outward journey and five legs run on the return journey. It serves as a major national showcase for the country’s next generation of Olympic marathon hopefuls.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because of the incredible drama and emotional storylines that occur when young athletes push themselves to utter exhaustion for their schools. The immense pressure of keeping the team sash moving forward creates captivating television and live viewing.
It has also achieved legendary status because it takes place during the peaceful New Year holidays when the entire country is watching. The challenging mountain topography ensures that the leaderboards can change drastically, keeping fans in suspense until the final meters.
Tips before you go
- Arrive at your chosen viewing spot several hours before the estimated runner passing times to secure a front-row position.
- Dress in heavy winter layers, gloves, and heat packs because standing still on the mountain roadsides can be freezing.
- Check the official transportation notices carefully as certain mountain roads are closed completely to vehicular traffic during the race.
- Respect the instructions of the course marshals and remain safely on the sidewalk behind the designated lines at all times.
- Download the digital course maps and live tracking applications beforehand to monitor the progress of the teams in real time.
Attendee Experiences
- Feeling the wind as the runners flew past at an unbelievable pace was absolutely exhilarating.
- The atmosphere up at Lake Ashi was freezing but the warmth of the cheering crowd was incredible.
- Watching the intense emotion during the sash handovers in person brought tears to my eyes.
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FAQ
How long is each individual leg of the relay race?
Each of the ten sections of the relay covers a distance of roughly twenty kilometers, which is nearly equivalent to a half marathon. The exact length varies slightly by leg, with the second and ninth legs being the longest sections of the entire route. Each runner must complete their entire assigned leg without assistance to keep the team in the official standings.
What happens if a runner collapses or cannot finish their assigned section?
If an athlete experiences a medical emergency and cannot complete their leg, the team is forced to withdraw from official contention. The remaining team members are still permitted to run their sections for experience, but their final times are marked as unofficial. This strict rule adds immense pressure and emotional weight to every single runner carrying the sash.
How are the university teams selected to participate in this prestigious event?
The field is strictly limited to twenty universities from the Kanto region, along with a few special select non-scoring exhibition teams. the top ten finishing schools from the previous year's race receive automatic seeded entry into the next edition. The remaining slots are contested during a highly competitive qualifying half marathon held in the autumn.
Is the race broadcast live for people who cannot watch from the roadside?
Yes, the entire two-day event is broadcast with live, uninterrupted television coverage nationwide from start to finish. The broadcast utilizes multiple mobile camera cars, helicopters, and stationary reporters at every single exchange point to capture all the action. It regularly pulls in some of the highest television viewership ratings of the year in the country.
Can international tourists easily watch the race from the sidewalks?
International visitors are completely welcome to stand along the route and experience the magnificent festival atmosphere alongside local fans. There are no registration processes or entry barriers, making it an incredibly accessible elite sporting event to witness. It is helpful to research the train schedules in advance to ensure smooth travel to the viewing areas.
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