Cycling Event "Tour de Tohoku 2026" Connecting the Memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake to the Future Opens General Entry

The Tour de Tohoku General Incorporated Association (located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Representative Director: Masahiko Ichiriki) began accepting general entries for the cycling event "Tour de Tohoku 2026" to be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

This event is a bicycle event held with the aim of supporting reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and passing on the memory of the disaster. Through courses that allow interaction with local residents and experiencing the current state of the affected areas, it works to transmit disaster memories and revitalize the region.

The 2026 event will be held with a capacity of 2,400 participants, an increase of 300 from last year. It will feature 6 courses, including the revival of the "Kesennuma One-way Fond (95km)" after 7 years and the newly established "Minamisanriku Fond (130km)", welcoming cyclists of various levels.

"When you cheer, you are cheered" ~ Connecting hearts, new exchanges beyond the pedals ~

"Tour de Tohoku" started in 2013 with the aim of supporting the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and conveying the memory of the disaster to the future.

From 2024, the Tour de Tohoku General Incorporated Association became the operating entity, evolving into a locally rooted event. Through roadside cheering and exchanges at aid stations, it promotes a mutual support relationship between riders and local residents.

Embodying the event catchphrase "When you cheer, you are cheered", it provides opportunities to create related exchange populations and deepen connections with the region.

Main Features of Tour de Tohoku 2026

Revival of "Kesennuma One-way Fond" after 7 years

The popular course, which many participants had requested to revive, returns. It is a special 95km course starting from Kesennuma heading to Ishinomaki, with all participants visiting the "Kesennuma City Great East Japan Earthquake Remains and Memorial Museum".

New "Minamisanriku Fond (130km)"

Newly established for riders aiming to step up from the 100km course. It is a challenging course with a total distance of 130km and an elevation gain of 2,004m.

Expanded visits to earthquake remains and memorial facilities

Visits to facilities that convey the lessons of the disaster to the future, such as the Kesennuma City Great East Japan Earthquake Remains and Memorial Museum and the Minamisanriku Town Old Disaster Prevention Office, will be conducted. The opportunity to learn about the progress of the affected areas through cycling is created.

Environment for beginners and families

The Higashimatsushima Fond (80km) sets a parent-child entry fee. It is a beginner-friendly course with few ups and downs, touring beautiful coastlines and the earthquake reconstruction memorial museum.

General Entry Overview

Application Period June 3, 2026 (Wednesday) - July 10, 2026 (Friday) *First-come-first-served for each course. Applications close when capacity is reached.

Event Date September 20, 2026 (Sunday)

Venue Main venue: Ishinomaki Senshu University (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture) *Only the Kesennuma One-way Fond starts from Kesennuma Naiwan Square

Recruitment Capacity 2,400 people (including related personnel)

Recruitment Courses

Kesennuma Oigahama Fond 180km: 500 people Minamisanriku Fond 130km: 300 people Kitakami Fond 100km: 700 people Kesennuma One-way Fond 95km: 300 people Higashimatsushima Fond 80km: 200 people Onagawa-Ogatsu Fond 65km: 400 people

Event Overview

Event Name Tour de Tohoku 2026

Event Date September 20, 2026 (Sunday)

Organizers Tour de Tohoku General Incorporated Association Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co., Ltd.

Co-organizers Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Ishinomaki City, Kesennuma City, Higashimatsushima City, Onagawa Town, Minamisanriku Town, Sanriku Kahoku Shimpo Co., Ltd.

Official Website Tour de Tohoku Official Site https://tourdetohoku.jp/

Inquiries

Courses running through the seas and mountains of the Sanriku coast

Tour de Tohoku Office Contact Desk (Inside Roots Sports Japan Co., Ltd.) Email: [email protected] TEL: 03-3354-2300 (Reception hours: weekdays 10:00-17:30, excluding weekends and holidays)