Sagamiko MORI MORI, an adventure resort located just 50 minutes by car from the Tokyo metropolitan area in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, will hold the "6th Sagamiko Sakura Run & Walk in Sagamiko MORI MORI" on March 29, 2026 (Sunday). The event takes place across the vast grounds of an amusement park and campground surrounded by approximately 2,500 cherry blossom trees.
Special Guest and Unique Features
Susumu Hara, head coach of Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field team, will appear as the guest starter, sending participants off with inspiring words of encouragement. The Aoyama Gakuin University Ekiden team, led by Coach Hara, will also participate in a fun run format, giving runners the chance to run alongside them through the amusement park grounds for this one-day-only special event.
New Course and Event Categories
In its sixth year, the event introduces a "10km Run" course that allows participants to run beneath approximately 2,500 cherry blossom trees, with a unique feature of running through the "Buggy Kart" attraction course area. A new "10km EKIDEN" relay division has also been added, where teams complete three laps of the approximately 3.3km course by passing a relay baton, working together to challenge their record. Participants can choose from various formats to match their running style.
The "2.5km FUN RUN & WALK" division allows participants to walk at their own pace through the cherry blossom-filled amusement park. Dogs are welcome to participate, making it perfect for families and those who want to enjoy walking with their pets while experiencing spring. All participants will receive gifts related to local Sagamihara at the finish line.
Post-Event Enjoyment
After the event, participants can enjoy a "BBQ Party" (additional option) with meals while viewing spectacular scenery from the mountaintop. Run event participants can also use the adjacent "Sagamiko Onsen Ururi" hot spring facility for free. The event offers a healthy and active day unique to the Sagamiko Resort, where you can exercise, enjoy BBQ, experience attractions, and relax in hot springs.
Event Details
6th Sagamiko Sakura Run & Walk in Sagamiko MORI MORI
Event Date: March 29, 2026 (Sunday) - Rain or shine
Official Website: https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/sakurarun/index.html
Event Categories and Eligibility
10km Run
- Course: Approximately 10km (approximately 3.3km park course × 3 laps)
- Eligibility: Junior high school students and above
- Parental consent required for those under 18
- Junior high school students must be accompanied by a parent (participating or cheering)
10km EKIDEN
- Course: Approximately 10km (approximately 3.3km park course × 3 laps)
- Eligibility: Teams of 2-3 people, 4th grade elementary students and above
- One relay baton presented per team (can be taken home after the event)
- For 2-person teams: 1st runner completes 1 lap, 2nd runner completes 2 laps. For 3-person teams: each runner completes 1 lap
- Parental consent required for those under 18
2.5km FUN RUN & WALK
- Course: Approximately 2.5km (1 lap around the park)
- Eligibility: Anyone can participate (dogs allowed)
- Parental consent required for those under 18
- Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent
Registration
- 10km Run (including EKIDEN division): 1,500 participants
- 2.5km FUN RUN & WALK: 1,000 participants
Participation Fees
- 10km Run: ¥5,000 (includes admission and hot spring ticket)
- 10km Run EKIDEN: ¥12,000 (includes admission and hot spring ticket)
*Fee is per team (2-3 people can participate) - 2.5km FUN RUN & WALK: Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,300, Dogs ¥500 (per person, includes admission)
Additional Plans:
- BBQ Set: +¥2,500 per person
- Free Pass Set (unlimited rides after event): Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,300
Schedule
- Check-in: 10km Run (including EKIDEN): 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
- 2.5km FUN RUN & WALK: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- Start: 10km Run (including EKIDEN): 9:00 AM, 2.5km FUN RUN & WALK: 10:00 AM
Awards
- 10km Run (including EKIDEN): 1st to 3rd place for men and women, EKIDEN 1st to 3rd place
*Additional jump prizes available - 2.5km FUN RUN & WALK: No awards
Registration Deadline
March 11, 2026 (Wednesday) 11:59 PM (registration closes when capacity is reached)
Event Website
https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/sakurarun/index.html
About Susumu Hara
Head coach of Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field team. Born in 1967 in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. After attending Sera High School, he advanced to Chukyo University and placed third in the 5,000m at the All-Japan Intercollegiate Championships. After graduation, he joined Chugoku Electric Power as a first-generation member of their track and field team but retired from competitive running in his fifth year due to injuries. In 1995, he restarted as a salaryman at the same company, flourishing as a salesperson with the company's highest sales of new products. In 2004, he became head coach of Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field team. In 2009, he led the team to their first Hakone Ekiden appearance in 33 years. In 2015, he achieved Aoyama Gakuin's first-ever Hakone Ekiden overall victory. In 2017, he accomplished the collegiate ekiden triple crown. From the first victory through 2026, over 12 years, he has achieved 9 overall Hakone Ekiden victories, including 4 consecutive wins. Since April 2019, he has also been teaching as a professor in the College of Community and Human Services. His major publications include "Results Always Follow Even When People Change: Definitive Edition! Aoyama Gakuin's Iron Rules for Absolute Champions" (published by Shodensha).
About Sagamiko Onsen Ururi
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The adjacent Sagamiko Onsen Ururi features open-air baths surrounded by nature, along with jet baths, löyly sauna, and cold baths. The facility also offers bedrock baths and massage services for complete relaxation of mind and body.
https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/spa/index.html
Spring BBQ at WILD COOKING GARDEN
At the Wild Cooking Garden, which offers authentic outdoor barbecue, event participants can enjoy a casual BBQ set at a discounted price of ¥2,500. Special Sakura Run limited menu items will also be available, allowing you to continue enjoying yourself with friends at the Wild Cooking Garden after the run event.
https://www.pica-resort.jp/sagamiko/index.html
Accommodation at PICA Sagamiko
The adjacent outdoor facility PICA Sagamiko is a campground spread across a hilltop with excellent views. With various accommodation options including trailers and log cabins, it's perfect for staying the weekend before the run event. You can spend relaxing time in nature while preparing for the run event.
https://www.pica-resort.jp/sagamiko/
Sagamiko MORI MORI Operations Overview
Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Holidays: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
*Hours vary by season. Please check website for closed days.
Admission
- Admission: Adults ¥2,000, Children/Seniors ¥1,300, Dogs ¥1,000
- Free Pass: Adults ¥4,700, Children/Seniors ¥3,700, Dogs ¥2,000
*Children: Ages 3 to elementary school, Seniors: 65 and over
Location
1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access
- By car: From Tokyo/Saitama area - About 7 minutes from Sagamiko East Exit on Chuo Expressway
- From Yokohama area - About 15 minutes from Sagamihara IC on Ken-O Expressway, about 20 minutes from Takao-san IC
- By train: From JR Chuo Main Line Sagamiko Station, take bus bound for Mikageki, about 8 minutes to Sagamiko MORIMORI-mae stop
- From JR Yokohama Line Hashimoto Station (transfer at Mikageki Bus Terminal), take bus bound for Sagamiko Station, about 50 minutes to Sagamiko MORIMORI-mae stop
Inquiries
Sagamiko MORI MORI: 0570-037-353
