We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 IAU 24h Asia and Oceania Championships will be held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, on May 23rd – 24th, 2026. This exciting event will be organized by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in collaboration with the city of Hirosaki.
During a recent site visit on May 25-26, 2024, IAU President Nadeem Khan explored the potential of Hirosaki to host the IAU 24H Championships, focusing on the well-established 24-hour race that is part of a broader ultramarathon series in the city. This series also includes 48-hour, 6-day, and 100 km races, showcasing Hirosaki’s commitment to ultrarunning. Notably, Miho Nakata, the current 24H IAU World Record holder, participated in the 24H event, further emphasizing the city's prominence in the sport.
Hirosaki is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal location for this prestigious championship. The city is famous for its historic Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees that attract visitors from around the world during the sakura season. Additionally, Hirosaki is known for its vibrant local festivals, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, which will provide a welcoming atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
IAU and the LOC in Hirosaki warmly invite all ultrarunners and fans of the sport to join us for this prestigious championship. We are looking forward to the next steps in the process of the application and cooperation with the LOC in Hirosaki, and we can’t wait to witness the remarkable performances that this event will bring.
Jacek Bedkowski
IAU Director of Communication
