[Student Achievement] Kyoka Shimizu Represented Niigata Prefecture at Empress Cup National Women's Ekiden
Kyoka Shimizu (Ochi Lab, 4th year) represented Niigata Prefecture at the "Empress Cup 44th National
Kyoka Shimizu (Ochi Lab, 4th year) represented Niigata Prefecture at the "Empress Cup 44th National Women's Ekiden Championship" held in Kyoto on Sunday, January 11, 2026!
About the Championship
The Empress Cup National Women's Ekiden is Japan's premier women's ekiden race, where representative teams from all 47 prefectures compete for the national title in Kyoto.
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026, 12:30 PM start
- Venue: Takebishi Stadium Kyoto (Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium), Kyoto City
- Course: 9 sections, 42.195km (full marathon distance)
- Participants: All 47 prefectures in Japan
Kyoka Shimizu's Performance
Shimizu ran the 4th section (4km) in the university/open division as a member of Team Niigata.
- Section Time: 13 minutes 48 seconds
- Section Rank: 28th out of 47 prefectures
- Team Niigata Overall Rank: 34th
As a Prefectural Representative
This championship brings together top runners from all generations, from junior high school students to professional athletes, in a prestigious competition. Shimizu carried the Niigata sash as a university student and ran with determination on the national stage.
Having just submitted her graduation thesis, she competed on this major stage as the culmination of four years balancing research and athletics. We commend Shimizu for fulfilling her responsibility as a Niigata Prefecture representative.