I am deeply honored that the City will be able to host the Sendai International Half Marathon 2026 on such a grand scale, during the most beautiful season of the year: fresh verdure in Sendai, the City of Trees. I would also like to extend a hearty welcome to all participants, on behalf of the 1.09 million citizens of the City of Sendai.

The Sendai International Half Marathon has been striving to become one of Japan’s premier half marathon events. Thanks to the participation of elite runners from Japan and abroad, runners from our International Sister and Friendship Cities, wheelchair athletes, and many others—as well as the strong support of our citizens—the event has continued to grow. This year, by joining the Japan Premier Half Series, formed by six major half marathon races in Japan, we have taken an important step toward becoming an even more attractive event. I am confident that the 2026 race will be our best yet, and we will continue working with all involved to ensure the event remains widely supported and beloved for many years to come.

I hope all runners will complete the course while enjoying the unique scenery of the City of Trees, including the sunlight shimmering on the Hirose River and the verdant zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue. After the race, I encourage you to explore the city’s attractions and savor seasonal delicacies from Sendai and the Tohoku region. May these experiences become memorable highlights of your visit. Together with nearly 2,000 warm hearted volunteers, we look forward to welcoming you to Sendai.

To close, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to all the companies and organizations that support and sponsor the Sendai Half Marathon 2026, as well as to the many others involved in the organization of this event, including the Miyagi Prefectural Police Headquarters.

On the joyous occasion of the grand opening of the Sendai International Half Marathon 2026, where athletes will run through the fresh greenery that adorns the City of Trees, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all runners.

Marking its inauguration in 1991, following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2012, the event has since grown into a race of ten thousand participants. Having overcome two cancellations during the COVID 19 pandemic, the race has now firmly established itself as one of the premier half marathon events in the Tohoku region. In addition to continue providing a special entry quota for individuals who live outside of Sendai City under the Furusato Tax (furusato nozei) category, we have newly joined the Japan Premier Half Series (JPHS), a collaborative initiative among six major half marathon races in Japan aimed at expanding participant demographics. With this, we have taken a new step forward as one of the leading half marathon events in the country.

I am confident that the performances of all runners will bring energy, courage, and strength to the revitalization of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku region, where 15 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The race course consists of five distinct areas, taking runners past the historic sites around Sendai Castle and the scenic Hirose River, the verdant zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue, and the modern cityscape of the newly developed eastern district near Sendai Station, and more. These diverse features offer participants an opportunity to experience the many charms of Sendai City. I hope the cheers along the course will inspire all participants and make the race a memorable one.

My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone involved in organizing this event and to the spectators who will enliven the race by cheering on the runners along the course.

I am honored to welcome the Sendai International Half Marathon one again in 2026. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all runners who are participating from Japan and abroad, to the citizens who cheer on the runners, and to everyone involved in organizing the event.

This event has long been cherished as a place where a beautiful course and the enthusiastic support of local citizens come together, allowing everyone—from elite athletes to recreational runners—to shine as the stars of the day. With our event newly joining the Japan Premier Half Series, established last year, as one of the nationwide leading half marathon races, I look forward to welcoming even more runners from across the country and further elevating the value and excitement of the event.

Tohoku Broadcasting will cover the dramatic moments, the excitement and touching scenes of the race through television, radio broadcasts and video streaming, bringing them to a wider audience.

Lastly, I would like to wish all the participants the very best as they perform here in Sendai, and I hope this day will remain a memorable one for everyone.

On behalf of the residents of Miyagi Prefecture, I am delighted to commemorate the successful commencement of the Sendai International Half Marathon 2026 here in Sendai, the City of Trees, as the season of fresh greenery unfolds. I would also like to extend a heartfelt welcome to runners from across the nation and abroad who have come to Miyagi Prefecture for this occasion.

The Sendai International Half Marathon has become a beloved seasonal event, and is one of most prominent races of its kind in Japan, with over 30 years of history. Beginning this year, the event has been designated as one of the six races in the Japan Premier Half Series, and is expected to attract more attention than ever before.

I hope that all runners can demonstrate the results of their daily training as they run swiftly through the green tree-lined streets of Sendai. After the race, I encourage you to enjoy Miyagi’s rich natural environment and local cuisine, so that this event may become an even more memorable experience for you.

In closing, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to everyone involved in the organization of the Sendai International Half Marathon 2026. May this event be a great success, and best of luck to all runners.

I would like to offer my congratulations for the grand start of the Sendai International Half Marathon 2026, which takes place in the City of Trees, just as the fresh greenery emerges. I sincerely appreciate the many participants who have joined this event from Japan and abroad, and I offer my warmest welcome to all who have come to Sendai.

The Sendai International Half Marathon features a course where runners can fully experience the charm of Sendai, the “City of Trees,” as they pass through the verdant Aoba-dori and Jozenji-dori avenues and along the clear waters of the Hirose River, all while being encouraged by the warm support of citizens lining the streets.

This year, as we join the newly established Japan Premier Half Series—an alliance formed by six leading half marathons across Japan—our event is experiencing greater excitement than ever before. I sincerely hope that the smiles runners wear as they cross the finish line will become a cherished page in each of their memories.

Lastly, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to everyone involved in organizing, including the volunteers who support the event. I extend my best wishes for the success of the event and to the runners, best of luck.