Legacy and First Anniversary Celebration with RUNS: INTO KK

To mark the first anniversary of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 and the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host RUNS: INTO KK © on November 7, 2026. This unique running event will take place on the KK Line (former Tokyo Expressway), the venue for the World Athletics Championships opening ceremony and the Deaflympics marathon, offering participants of all ages and abilities the chance to experience the legacy of the two Games.

The event aims to carry forward the excitement and lasting legacy of both competitions while fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy and participate in sports. Taking advantage of the distinctive setting of the KK Line in the heart of Ginza, it will feature running activities and interactive programs that invite people not only to watch sports, but also to take part in and support them.

The event will also showcase the Deaflympics' universal communication technologies and visually based "Sign Cheers," promoting an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy and cheer on sports together. Through these initiatives, participants can connect and experience how sport brings energy to both people and the city, reinforcing Tokyo's vision of becoming a world-class sports city.

Cheer Sign

The day will feature a variety of running activities on the KK Line, alongside a commemorative ceremony. Special guests include Katsuki Hayato, bronze medalist in the men's 35 km race walk at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25; Kawano Masatora, Japanese record holder in the same event; and Yamada Maki, who won two gold medals and one silver in athletics at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.

Katsuki Hayato

Kawano Masatora

Yamada Maki

The advance-registration program consists of four parts: 

• Mile RUNS: Participants run 1.6 km (two 800 m laps) on a special course in the Women's, Family, Kids & Juniors, and RUN & WALK (General) categories. 
• Anniversary Stage: Features athlete talk sessions, a racewalking workshop titled Fun Facts About Racewalking!, and the Let's Send Our Cheers Together! sign-cheer activity. 
• World Record Challenge: Participants take part in a 100 m racewalk relay, working together within a one-hour time limit to achieve a target record. 
• Night Relay RUNS: Teams of 2 to 20 runners compete in a two-hour relay on a 1-km loop course along the evening KK Line.

Visitors will also be able to meet Riku One, the official mascot of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, and Yurito, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Sports Promotion Ambassador and official mascot of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.