NOK Sponsors the Fukushima City Half Marathon 2026

Energizing the Local Community Through Sport

NOK Corporation (Head Office: Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Group Chief Executive Officer: Masao Tsuru; hereinafter referred to as "NOK") will sponsor the Fukushima City Half Marathon 2026 (Sunday, May 17). This marks the second consecutive year NOK has supported the event. Ten employees from the NOK Group will take part in the race, while others will help operate water stations and cheer on participants along the course. The NOK booth will also feature an original giveaway: the first 900 visitors will receive a free set of NOK's KKOOR hair ties. The event is organized by the Fukushima City Half Marathon Executive Committee, Fukushima City, Fukushima Sport Association, and the Fukushima Athletics Association.

Now in its fourth year, the Fukushima City Half Marathon features a scenic 21.0975㎞course that loops through the city, passing through bustling urban areas and area with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Alongside the main race, a shorter 3km event has been added from this year. In total, a record-breaking 5,742 runners are expected to be on the start line.

The NOK Group has multiple production facilities in Fukushima Prefecture, and therefore positions it as one of its key regions. Due to this strong connection, NOK is committed to helping make the event a great success through employee participation and support for race operations, together with local residents.

Support Initiatives by the NOK Group

Water Station Operations
At the water station located around the 10 km mark of the half marathon, near the Fukushima Toyota Crown Arena, a team of 27 NOK Group employees will be supporting runners by handing out drinks.

Giveaway at the NOK Sponsor Booth
The first 900 visitors to NOK's sponsor booth within the hospitality park near the finish line (Seidensha WINDY Stadium / Shinobu-ga-Oka General Athletic Park), will receive an original set of KKOOR hair ties. The set includes three ties in pink, light blue, and white, colors inspired by the official logo of the Fukushima City Half Marathon 2026.

About KKOOR: The KKOOR hair tie is NOK's first B2C product and has been on the market since February 2024. They are ideal for sports due to their key features: strong resistance to sweat and water, superior durability, and the ability to securely hold the hair while allowing for easy removal.

Fukushima City Half Marathon 2026: Event Overview

• Event name: Fukushima City Half Marathon 2026
• Organizers: Fukushima City Half Marathon Executive Committee (Fukushima City, Fukushima Sport Association, and the Fukushima Athletics Association.)
• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 (Held rain or shine; cancelled in case of severe weather)
• Main venue: Seidensha WINDY Stadium (Shinobu-ga-Oka General Athletic Park, 14-1 Furukawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture)
• Official website: https://www.fukushimahalf.jp/ (Japanese only)