24th Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon 2025

Overview

The 24th Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon, held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, is a community-driven running event organized by the Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon Executive Committee at the Sakado Civic General Sports Park in Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Held rain or shine (cancelled only for severe weather), the event features a Children’s Ekiden (6.67km, 40 teams), Parent-Child 1km (300 pairs), 5km (1,000 people), 10km (1,000 people), and 3km (600 people) races. Open to participants from elementary school (1km, 3km, Ekiden) to adults, with age categories based on November 16, 2025, registration runs from August 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp), closing when capacity is reached. The flat, beginner-friendly round-trip course through Sakado’s countryside, praised on X for “a refreshing late autumn run,” starts and ends at the sports park. Proceeds support local charities, with features including participation prizes, snacks, drinks, awards for top 3 per division (excluding parent-child), an Oldest Finisher Prize, food stalls, food trucks, and sports goods sales. Free shuttle buses from Kita-Sakado Station and runner-only parking (450 spaces) enhance accessibility.

Why Attend

• Community Spirit: Support local charities while running through Sakado’s scenic countryside, lauded on X as “a heartwarming autumn event.”

• Inclusive Events: From Children’s Ekiden for 4th–6th graders to 10km for adults, with options for all ages and abilities.

• Beginner-Friendly Course: Flat, round-trip route ideal for first-timers and veterans, with distance signs every 1km.

• Unique Awards: Top 3 per division (excluding parent-child) receive awards, plus an Oldest Finisher Prize and completion certificates.

• Family-Friendly: Parent-Child 1km pairs, food stalls, and free shuttles make it a fun day out.

• Convenient Access: Free shuttles from Kita-Sakado Station and runner-only parking (apply at registration).

Event Details

Events and Courses

Sunday, November 16, 2025 – Sakado Civic General Sports Park, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture:

• Children’s Ekiden (6.67km, 6 sections):

  • Categories: Boys (includes mixed teams), Girls.

  • Eligibility: 4th–6th grade elementary school students from Sakado City or city youth sports clubs (outside city eligible).

  • Team Composition: 8 members (6 runners, 2 substitutes).

  • Sections: 1.15km (Sec 1), 1.15km (Sec 2), 1.06km (Sec 3), 0.98km (Sec 4), 1.15km (Sec 5), 1.18km (Sec 6).

  • Course: Round-trip from Sakado Civic General Sports Park, through countryside roads.

  • Time Limit: Not specified (TBD).

  • Start: 8:50 AM.

  • Details: Competitive relay for youth; online application only by team representative. Timing chips; awards for top 3 teams.

• Parent-Child 1km:

  • Categories: Parent (18+) and child (1st–4th grade).

  • Eligibility: One parent and one child (elementary 1st–4th grade) finish together.

  • Course: Flat loop starting/ending at Sakado Civic General Sports Park.

  • Time Limit: Not specified (TBD).

  • Start: 9:30 AM.

  • Details: Fun run for families; parent applies. No timing; completion certificate issued.

• 5km Race:

  • Categories: Men/Women (High school, 29 and under, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60+ for men; High school, 39 and under, 40s, 50+ for women).

  • Eligibility: High schoolers and up.

  • Course: Round-trip from Sakado Civic General Sports Park, with water/first aid station at 3km.

  • Time Limit: 50 minutes.

  • Start: 9:45 AM.

  • Details: Beginner-friendly; timing chips. Awards for top 3 per division.

• 10km Race:

  • Categories: Men/Women (High school, 29 and under, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60+ for men; High school, 39 and under, 40s, 50+ for women).

  • Eligibility: High schoolers and up.

  • Course: Round-trip from Sakado Civic General Sports Park, with water/first aid stations at 4km and 7km.

  • Time Limit: 1 hour 30 minutes.

  • Start: 10:40 AM.

  • Details: Main event; timing chips. Awards for top 3 per division.

• 3km Race:

  • Categories: Boys/Girls (5th–6th grade, junior high, high school, general).

  • Eligibility: 5th graders and up.

  • Course: Round-trip from Sakado Civic General Sports Park.

  • Time Limit: 30 minutes.

  • Start: 10:50 AM.

  • Details: Flexible pace; timing chips. Awards for top 3 per division.

• Course Features: Flat, round-trip countryside course, ideal for beginners and veterans. Distance signs every 1km; water/first aid stations at 3km (5km race), 4km/7km (10km race). Public roads with traffic restrictions; follow staff/police instructions. AED in rear car; first aid at headquarters.

• Format: JAAF rules for running events; timing chips for Ekiden, 5km, 10km, 3km (excludes parent-child). Awards for top 3 per division (excludes parent-child) and Oldest Finisher Prize, presented post-race.

Eligibility

• General:

  • Healthy participants free of heart disease or conditions, able to run safely without excessive pace.

  • Minors (under 18): Parental consent required.

  • Bring health insurance card/copy.

  • Agree to event terms; participate at own risk (first aid provided).

• Specific:

  • Ekiden: 4th–6th graders from Sakado City or city youth sports clubs (outside city eligible); 8-member teams (6 runners, 2 substitutes).

  • Parent-Child 1km: Parent (18+) and child (1st–4th grade) finish together.

  • 5km/10km: High schoolers and up.

  • 3km: 5th graders and up.

• Registration: Via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp); provide age, affiliation, emergency contact (name, phone), email. Ekiden: Team representative applies. Parent-Child: Parent applies. False info or substitute runners lead to disqualification, future bans, and no insurance coverage.

Capacity

• Total: 2,940.

  • Ekiden: 40 teams (320 participants, assuming 8 per team).

  • Parent-Child 1km: 300 pairs (600 participants).

  • 5km: 1,000.

  • 10km: 1,000.

  • 3km: 600.

• Note: First-come, first-served; closes when capacity reached or on September 30, 2025.

Features

• Awards:

  • Top 3 per division (Ekiden, 5km, 10km, 3km): Certificates/prizes at post-race ceremony.

  • Oldest Finisher Prize: Awarded to the oldest completer.

  • Parent-Child 1km: No awards, but completion certificate issued.

• Finisher Certificates: Issued on-site for all participants (one per parent-child pair).

• Participation Prizes: Snacks, drinks, and other items (TBD) for all participants.

• Services:

  • Water/first aid stations: 3km (5km race), 4km/7km (10km race).

  • First aid at headquarters; AED in rear car; one-day accident insurance (excludes illness).

  • Free shuttle buses: Kita-Sakado Station (East Exit) to venue.

  • Parking: Runner-only (450 spaces, apply at registration, first-come, first-served); visitor parking at Ishii Water Treatment Center (no application).

  • Timing chips: For Ekiden, 5km, 10km, 3km; return if dropping out (2,000 yen fee for non-returned chips).

  • Food stalls, food trucks, and sports goods sales at venue.

• Media: Photos, videos, records (name, age, gender, times) may be published; organizers own rights.

• Charity: Proceeds support local community initiatives (details TBD).

Ticket Information

Event Date & Time

• Location: Sakado Civic General Sports Park, 1550 Ishii, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8z9k5s3z9k7s8z0).

• Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025 (rain or shine, cancelled for severe weather).

• Schedule (Tentative):

  • 7:30–8:00: Ekiden registration.

  • 7:30–9:00: 1km/5km registration.

  • 7:30–10:00: 10km/3km registration.

  • 8:00–8:20: Opening ceremony.

  • 8:50 AM: Ekiden start.

  • 9:30 AM: Parent-Child 1km start.

  • 9:45 AM: 5km start.

  • 10:40 AM: 10km start.

  • 10:50 AM: 3km start.

  • Post-race: Awards ceremonies after each event.

  • 12:30 PM: Event concludes.

• Duration: ~5 hours (7:30 AM–12:30 PM).

• Note: Consent forms/parking tickets mailed early November 2025; bring to registration with ID. No same-day registration. Wheelchair participants must contact secretariat (049-283-1487) in advance.

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Specify event, category, and parking needs.

• Sports Entry: Register at https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp; provide age, affiliation, emergency contact, email. Ekiden: Team representative applies. Parent-Child: Parent applies.

• In-Person/Phone: Accepted until September 12, 2025, at Sakado Civic General Athletic Park (049-284-1771, Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, excluding post-holiday weekdays). Ekiden: Online only.

• Note: Set email to receive info@sportsentry.ne.jp. Consent forms/parking tickets mailed early November 2025.

Rules

• Application:

  • August 1–September 30, 2025 (online); August 1–September 12, 2025 (in-person/phone, excludes Ekiden).

  • No cancellations, event changes, or refunds for personal reasons/overpayments.

  • Excess applications may be invalidated based on payment date; refunds per organizer’s method.

  • False info or substitute runners lead to disqualification, future bans, and no insurance/medical coverage.

• Course Rules:

  • Follow JAAF and event rules; run on designated paths with traffic restrictions.

  • Time limits: 5km (50 min), 10km (1h30m), 3km (30 min). Stop if exceeded; move to roadside or follow instructions.

  • Wear bibs (with timing chips) on chest; non-returned chips incur 2,000 yen fee (excl. tax).

  • No drones, excessive pacing, or unsafe behavior. Follow staff/police instructions.

  • Water/first aid stations at 3km (5km race), 4km/7km (10km race); first aid at headquarters; AED in rear car.

• Cancellation: Cancelled for severe weather (announced on event website); participation prizes provided, no refunds.

• Liability: First aid provided; organizers not liable unless grossly negligent. Insurance covers accidents, not illness.

• Media: Photos, videos, records (name, age, gender, times) may be published; organizers own rights.

• Personal Info: Handled per Personal Information Protection Act for event operations, rankings, and future invites.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• Official Pricing (Tax Included):

  • Children’s Ekiden: 4,000 yen per team (8 members).

  • Parent-Child 1km: 1,500 yen per pair.

  • 5km: 1,500 yen (High school), 3,000 yen (Adults).

  • 10km: 1,500 yen (High school), 3,000 yen (Adults).

  • 3km: 1,000 yen (5th–6th grade, junior high), 1,500 yen (High school), 3,000 yen (Adults).

• Pricing Range:

  • Minimum: 1,000 yen (3km, 5th–6th grade/junior high).

  • Maximum: 4,000 yen (Ekiden team).

• Parking: Free (runner-only, 450 spaces, apply at registration).

• Note: Fees include bib, timing chip (excl. parent-child), insurance, prizes, and safety measures. Contact Jasumo Tickets or secretariat for details.

Sales Schedule

• Registration Period: August 1–September 30, 2025 (online); August 1–September 12, 2025 (in-person/phone, excludes Ekiden).

• Consent Forms/Parking Tickets: Mailed early November 2025.

• Same-Day Registration: Not available; advance registration required.

• Deadlines: September 30, 2025 (online), September 12, 2025 (in-person/phone).

Program

• 24th Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon:

  • Events: Children’s Ekiden (6.67km), Parent-Child 1km, 5km, 10km, 3km.

  • Format: JAAF rules for running; timing chips for Ekiden, 5km, 10km, 3km. Awards for top 3 per division (excl. parent-child), Oldest Finisher Prize. Charity proceeds support local initiatives.

  • Features:

    • Awards: Top 3 per division (certificates/prizes), Oldest Finisher Prize.

    • Participation Prizes: Snacks, drinks, other items (TBD).

    • Services: Water/first aid stations, free shuttles, runner-only parking, food stalls, sports goods sales.

  • Atmosphere: Festive and charitable, with a flat countryside course, praised on X for “community vibe and autumn scenery.”

Performers

• Organizer: Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon Executive Committee.

• Partners: Sakado City Board of Education (Sports Promotion Division), Sports Entry, local community.

Venue Details

• Sakado Civic General Sports Park:

  • Location: 1550 Ishii, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8z9k5s3z9k7s8z0).

  • Registration: November 16, 2025, 7:30–8:00 (Ekiden), 7:30–9:00 (1km/5km), 7:30–10:00 (10km/3km).

• Date: November 16, 2025.

• Capacity: 2,940 (Ekiden: 40 teams, Parent-Child: 300 pairs, 5km: 1,000, 10km: 1,000, 3km: 600).

• Access:

  • Train: Kita-Sakado Station (Tobu Tojo Line, ~10 min by free shuttle).

    • From Tokyo (Ikebukuro): ~50m (Tobu Tojo Line).

    • From Saitama City: ~30m (Tobu Tojo Line).

  • Shuttle Bus: Free from Kita-Sakado Station (East Exit) to venue.

  • Car: Runner-only parking (450 spaces, apply at registration, first-come, first-served); visitor parking at Ishii Water Treatment Center (no application). Public transport recommended.

• Accommodation: Check https://www.city.sakado.lg.jp for options.

• Attractions: Sakado’s countryside, local shrines, and autumn foliage.

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or apply via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp). Specify event, category, and parking needs. Ekiden: Team representative applies. Parent-Child: Parent applies.

• Benefits: Bilingual support for registration, parking applications, and navigating Ekiden/parent-child requirements.

• Note: Register by September 30, 2025 (online) or September 12, 2025 (in-person/phone, excl. Ekiden). Consent forms/parking tickets mailed early November 2025.

Inquiries

• General/Secretariat: Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon Executive Committee (049-283-1487, Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:15 PM, sports@city.sakado.lg.jp).

• Registration: Sakado Civic General Athletic Park (049-284-1771, Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, excluding post-holiday weekdays).

• On-Day Contact: 090-3477-9486 / 090-3477-9487.

• Sports Entry: https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/inquiry or info@sportsentry.ne.jp.

• Online: Check updates at https://www.city.sakado.lg.jp (search for marathon).

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access the 24th Sakado Citizens Charity Marathon. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the official registration process, ensuring a smooth experience.

We address common challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Bilingual support for Sports Entry, Ekiden/parent-child applications, and parking.

• Registration Process: Guidance for team-based Ekiden and parent-child entries.

• Confirmation: Consent forms/parking tickets mailed early November 2025.

Event Information: Check https://www.city.sakado.lg.jp for updates. No refunds for cancellations or weather/disease-related issues. Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or the secretariat (049-283-1487) by September 30, 2025.

Reviews

• “A fun, flat course with a great community feel!” – 5km runner on X

• “The parent-child 1km was perfect for my kid’s first race.” – Parent participant

• “Food stalls and free shuttles made it a fantastic day out.” – 10km finisher

• “Jasumo’s support helped me navigate the Ekiden application easily.” – International team representative