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Taro-bou Challenge 2026 (太郎坊チャレンジ 2026)

Japan flag
Tsuchiyama City Taro-bo Shrine Steps 2247 Kobukuro Town, Higashi-Omi City, Japan

calendar_today 11 Oct, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $16.12 – $96.75

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Taro-bou Challenge 2026 (太郎坊チャレンジ 2026)

About the Event

The Taro-bo Challenge is an exhilarating race set against the backdrop of one of Shiga Prefecture's most revered spiritual sites, Taro-bo Shrine. With its origins dating back approximately 1400 years, this historic shrine has long been a place of pilgrimage and worship for those seeking victory and happiness.
At the heart of the event is an intense climb up 379 stone steps leading to the top of the shrine. Unlike traditional races that focus on distance, participants compete based solely on the number of stairs climbed in as short a time as possible. The challenge welcomes both seasoned athletes aiming for the podium and first-time adventurers looking to test their mettle.
Whether you choose to run or walk your way up, completing all 379 steps marks your victory over this unique course. Top finishers in each category are awarded prestigious titles of "Winner Man" and "Winner Woman," while every participant receives an original Taro-bo Challenge charm, believed to bring good fortune and success.
The race offers more than just a physical challenge; it immerses runners in the rich history and spiritual essence of the site. As you ascend, cheers from spectators lining both sides of the path provide constant encouragement, lifting spirits even as your legs tire and breath grows shallow. This experience is unlike anything found on an ordinary staircase.
The Taro-bo Challenge promises not only a test of physical endurance but also a profound connection to tradition and faith that resonates deeply with all who take part in this historic climb.
Join us for the 2026 edition, scheduled for October 11th, as you step into the footsteps of countless pilgrims before you.

Races Offered

Boys 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Boys 1st 2nd and 3rd Grade

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Type — Running

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18 days remaining

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$16.12

Boys 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Boys 4th 5th and 6th Grade

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$16.12

College Women: University, Junior College, Graduate School, Vocational School, etc

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — College Women: University Junior College Graduate School Vocational School etc

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$22.57

Dog Pair Category

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Dog Pair Category

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$32.25

General Athlete Men's Category: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — General Athlete Mens Category: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$22.57

General Challenge Men's Category: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — General Challenge Mens Category: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Girls 1-3 Year Elementary School

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Girls 1-3 Year Elementary School

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$16.12

Girls 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Girls 4th 5th and 6th Grade

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$16.12

Junior High School Boys

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Junior High School Boys

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$16.12

Junior High School Girls

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Junior High School Girls

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$16.12

Men's College Division: Universities, Junior Colleges, Graduate Schools, Vocational Schools, etc

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Mens College Division: Universities Junior Colleges Graduate Schools Vocational Schools etc

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Open Challenge Women: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Open Challenge Women: High School Students to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Open Men [Triple]: High School Age and Above

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Open Men Triple: High School Age and Above

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$51.60

Open Women's Category: High School to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Open Womens Category: High School to 59 Years Old (Excluding College Students)

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Open Women's [Triple]: High School Age and Up

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Open Womens Triple: High School Age and Up

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$51.60

Senior Athlete Men's Category: 60 Years and Over

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Senior Athlete Mens Category: 60 Years and Over

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

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$22.57

Senior Challenge Men's Category: 60 Years and Over

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Senior Challenge Mens Category: 60 Years and Over

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Senior Challenge Women's Category: 60 Years and Over

Oct 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — Senior Challenge Womens Category: 60 Years and Over

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Senior Women's Category: 60 Years and Over

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Senior Womens Category: 60 Years and Over

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$22.57

Team Category (1 team of 5 members)

Oct 11, 2026

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Distance — Team Category (1 team of 5 members)

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18 days remaining

sell

$96.75

Hotels & Places to Stay

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