On October 10 (Saturday) and 11 (Sunday), 2026, Japan National Stadium will once again host "Everyone, Let's Connect the Relay: Festival 2026," known for short as Relay Fes. The event, which began in 2022, is dedicated to relay races that anyone can join without pressure, and this will be its fourth edition, returning after a two-year gap.
Today, exactly 100 days before the event, organizers are unveiling the key visual and the first wave of events. A second wave of new events — including categories shaped by ideas submitted by the public — along with full application details such as entry fees, how to apply, and whether entries are first-come, first-served, will be announced at a later date.
A special website for the event has already launched, with applications set to open in mid-July.
Applications open in mid-July! Let's connect the baton of smiles at Japan National Stadium again this year!
Special website: https://www.jaaf.or.jp/relayfes/
Event Overview
- Event name: Everyone, Let's Connect the Relay: Festival 2026
- Dates: October 10 (Saturday) and 11 (Sunday), 2026
- Venue: Japan National Stadium
- Held alongside: The 110th Japan Championships in Athletics – Relay Competition
- Previous edition: Relay Festival 2024
Key Visual
"Connecting to the future, connecting smiles."
Relay Fes is a track and field festival that anyone can join with ease. It aims to be an event where everyone can take center stage — not just the runners, but also the people cheering them on, families and friends, volunteers supporting the event, and even those experiencing athletics for the first time.
The key visual extends the core value of a relay — "connecting" — into connections between people, with a design meant to let participants of any age or role see themselves in it. It also captures the special, uplifting atmosphere unique to Japan National Stadium, the event's stage, aiming to convey the encounters, smiles, and connections that Relay Fes creates.
First Wave of Events
Certified Division: U16 Relay (4×100m Relay)
Two certified events will be held: the U16 boys' 4×100m relay and the U16 girls' 4×100m relay. For eligibility and application details, see the official event guidelines (PDF): https://www.jaaf.or.jp/files/upload/202603/24_130608.pdf
Anyone Challenge Relay (4×100m Relay)
For anyone who has ever dreamed of running at Japan National Stadium, this is a chance to enter with friends. Both athletes registered with the Japan Association of Athletics Federations and those who are not are welcome. This year also adds a "Full-Effort! Anyone Challenge Relay" for teams who want to wear spikes and go for a fast time, though even in the full-effort division, times will not be officially certified.
200+ Age Relay (4×100m Relay)
Any team of four whose combined age adds up to 200 years or more can enter — a chance to team up with friends who still have plenty of running left in them.
Elementary School Students Relay (4×100m Relay)
Open to any elementary school student, this event lets kids experience the thrill of a relay and the excitement of Japan National Stadium together with friends.
Junior High & High School Students Relay (4×100m Relay)
Open to any junior high or high school student — no track team membership required. Grab some friends and sprint down the Japan National Stadium track.
Family Relay (4×100m Relay)
Which family is Japan's fastest? Siblings, parent and child, three generations — any combination is welcome. Pass the baton to make family memories and strengthen family bonds. This year also adds a "Full-Effort! Anyone Challenge Family Relay" for families who want to wear spikes and go for a fast time, though times in the full-effort division will not be officially certified.
Night of the Mile (4×400m Relay)
The mile relay, a fan favorite every year, returns again. Recommended for anyone who wants to sprint a full lap of the Japan National Stadium track at full effort and savor the special feeling, the sense of accomplishment, and that unmistakable lactic-acid burn.
What's Coming Next
A second wave of events — including new relay categories built from ideas submitted by the public — is set to be announced in mid-July, together with application details such as entry fees, how to apply, and whether entries are first-come, first-served.
Looking Back at Relay Fes 2024
- Digest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaApLqWUfZQ
- Digest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eg447SpDoY
- Photo gallery: https://www.jaaf.or.jp/relayfes/2024/gallery/?category=2
