International celebrity Hello Kitty is turning 40 this year! To celebrate this cultural icon’s longevity, Sanrio is holding two ‘Hello Kitty Run‘ events: one at Tokyo Summerland on December 7th, 2014 and one on Osaka’s Maishima Sports Island on January 25, 2015.

The same event was conducted for the first time ever in Taiwan (pictured above) in January of this year. With nearly 20,000 participating, it was decided that one would be held in Japan as well.

Fans will be able to participate in a 10K (Osaka) or 5K (Tokyo) marathon as well as take part in additional events like the Character Cosplay run, family marathon or relay marathon. Original event-exclusive awards will be presented to Cosplay winners and top participants.

Tickets for admission opened today at the JTB sport stations and starting September 8th, tickets will also be available through Lawson DO Sports and Yahoo! Ticket.

Hello Kitty Run Tokyo Summerland 5K

Date: December 7th, 2014 (Sunday)
Admission: 5,700 yen (highschool age and up), 4,700 yen (junior high), 6,400yen (Family run set)

Hello Kitty Run Tokyo Maishima Sports Island 10K

Date: Januay 25th, 2015 (Sunday)
Admission: 5,000 yen (highschool age and up), 4,000 yen (junior high and below), 5,000yen (Family run set)

(via Oricon Style)