#Japan #Tokyo #Stair Climbing #Tokyo Run Up

Tokyo to Host Its First Stair Climbing Race

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Japan Stair Climbing Association, is excited to announce the first-ever stair climbing event, named the 2026 Tokyo Run Up, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026. The venue will be none other than the majestic Tokyo City Hall, towering at Shinjuku, where participants will sprint from the 2nd floor to the observation deck on the 45th floor—an impressive climb comprising 984 steps over a vertical distance of 202 meters.

This unique challenge presents a rare opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and newcomers alike to engage in an exhilarating urban time trial. The event welcomes approximately 2,000 participants, divided into various categories, including:

• - Youth: Elementary and Junior High School divisions.
• - Adults: Men's and Women's categories.
• - Masters: Senior division.
• - Team competitions: Corporate and team categories.
• - Fun Run: Open for casual participants.
• - Elite and Expert divisions for registered athletes of the Japan Sky Running Association (JSA).

Event Details

The event will commence at 9:00 AM, with staggered starts throughout the day until 3:00 PM. Participants are encouraged to register early as spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested individuals can sign up via the dedicated event website: Tokyo Run Up Registration starting from July 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM, until October 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

A participation fee applies, which varies based on the chosen category. For more details on fee structures, visit the event's official site.

Celebrity Guests

The event will also feature special appearances by notable personalities, including:

• - Kenji Moriwaki: A popular talent known for his love of running, having participated in numerous marathons across Japan.
• - Hitomi Kyassuru: A sports influencer who engages a wide audience through social media, promoting the joys of running.
• - Poruporu Family: A family creative team that shares their daily life experiences, emphasizing family challenges and healthy lifestyles.
• - QUEST: A trio of influencers dedicated to promoting the essence of running in a fun and engaging manner.

What is Stair Climbing?

Stair climbing is an extreme sport gaining worldwide popularity, where participants race up the stairs of some of the tallest skyscrapers and towers. Commonly held in urban settings, these events attract increasing numbers of both participants and spectators. This upcoming race is part of the 2050 Tokyo Strategy, which aims to promote sports as a cornerstone of urban life and community engagement.

For queries related to the event and participant registration, please contact the Japan Stair Climbing Association at 080-2514-8178 or for project inquiries, reach the Sports Promotion Office at 03-5320-7847.

Join us in this exciting new venture and challenge yourself at the 2026 Tokyo Run Up! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a novice looking to get started, this event promises a thrilling day of competition and community spirit at one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks.