November 7, 2022
To all participating teams and cheering squads
From: Masamitsu Sakai, Executive Director of Japan Corporate Track and Field Federation
Regarding the 42nd All-Japan Women's Ekiden Corporate Team Championship, "Queens Ekiden in Miyagi"
Pre-race practice and cheering method regulations
With the understanding of the host city, this year's event will be the first in three years where cheering will not be restricted.
The following rules have been established, and we ask that each team inform their cheering squads and ensure that they are followed.
Please also follow the guidelines for COVID-19 countermeasures and the rules for cheering.
National Route 45 is expected to be congested with large vehicles, and the police have instructed us to strictly follow traffic regulations.
Considering the difficulty of road conditions and parking, we ask that you plan your cheering strategy accordingly.
1. Greetings to related departments during pre-race practice
In the past, there have been complaints about teams parking without permission or using toilets without permission.
On the day of the race, the relay points are borrowed from places that are normally used for work.
Therefore, when visiting facilities or parking, please always greet the staff with a phrase such as "I'm from team ○○, nice to meet you."
There is still concern about the spread of COVID-19, and we ask that you refrain from behavior that may cause discomfort or suspicion among local residents.
When checking the course, please be aware of road conditions and avoid causing inconvenience to passing vehicles or pedestrians.
2. Pre-race practice at Koyo Gomu Athlete Park Sendai (Sendai City Athletic Stadium)
The organizer will reserve the finish line area, Koyo Gomu Athlete Park Sendai, from November 24th (Thursday).
If teams wish to practice at the stadium before November 23rd (Wednesday), they will be considered general users and must pay the usage fee.
3. Cheering prohibited areas
The area from Matsushima-Kaigan Station to Hamada Tunnel, passing through Rōdōhama Park, is designated as a cheering prohibited area due to the lack of sidewalks and safety concerns.
4. Course-related matters
(1) Flag poles: 5 per section, up to 30 in total
(2) Horizontal banners (up to 10m long and 1.2m wide): 1 per section, up to 6 in total
(3) Display method
① Prohibited from concentrating in one area
② Prohibited from displaying within 100m before and after the start, goal, and relay points
③ Prohibited from fixing flags and banners
④ Ensure that the display does not obstruct the athletes' run and collect the items after use
(4) Please ensure that cheering squads collect their trash, including flags, bento, pet bottles, empty cans, masks, and other waste.
(5) Prohibited from entering private property for cheering
(6) Please be considerate of citizens and general fans.
As it's been three years since cheering was unrestricted, there may be citizens and general fans along the course.
Please be mindful of their viewing experience, especially for children, and avoid blocking their view.
5. Matters related to the use of the athletic stadium
(1) Setting up horizontal banners and flag poles
① Setting up is only allowed between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on November 26th (Saturday)
② Prohibited from fixing to the main stand
③ Allowed to set up in the back stand, except for the front row and handrails
④ Prohibited from displaying athlete names
⑤ The location for cheering in the main stand will be designated by the federation, and teams must follow the instructions.
Every year, there are complaints and requests for improvement regarding cheering manners from citizens and general fans along the course.
As a corporate team, we ask that you behave in a restrained and respectful manner to maintain the image of the event.
