The Guam Visitors Bureau is inviting residents and visitors to participate in the 2026 Ko’ko’ Race Weekend, encouraging the community to stay active while supporting awareness for one of Guam’s most iconic native species.
A highlight of the event is the Ko’ko’ 5K Ekiden Relay, a four-person team race designed to promote teamwork, friendly competition and community spirit. Organizers encourage friends, businesses, clubs, organizations and government agencies to form teams and take part in the relay, which reflects Guam’s spirit of Inafa’maolek—working together for the good of the community.
The Ekiden relay format originated in Japan, where long-distance relay races are run “station to station” with runners passing a sash, known as a tasuki, to the next teammate. The relay was introduced to the Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race in 2019, adding a team-based competition that has since become a popular part of the weekend’s activities.
First held in 2006, the Ko’ko’ Road Race is the signature running event of the Guam Visitors Bureau. The race raises awareness for the Guam Rail—locally known as the Ko’ko’—an endemic flightless bird that is part of Guam’s natural heritage.
Race Schedule:
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Ko’ko’ Kids Fun Run – Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach)
Races include 0.6K, 1.6K and 3.3K distances for children ages 4 to 12. Participants will receive a finisher’s T-shirt and the opportunity to win medals.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Ko’ko’ Half Marathon and 5K Ekiden Relay – Starting in Tumon in front of the Guam Visitors Bureau and finishing at Ypao Beach.
Participants in both events will receive a finisher’s T-shirt and medal.
Registration for the Ekiden Relay, Half Marathon and Kids Fun Run is now open, with organizers encouraging runners to sign up early as slots are filling quickly.
More information and registration are available at visitguam.com/koko. Community groups and organizations interested in volunteering or hosting race-course cheer stations may contact info@visitguam.org.
