Translation guide
A footrace is a running competition. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on the context: a general race is 競走 (kyōsō), while a sprint or dash is 徒競走 (tokyōsō) or かけっこ (kakekko). For longer distances, マラソン (marason) is used. The word フットレース (futtorēsu) exists but is rare.
To refer to a footrace as a competitive running event in general.
General term for a running race. Often used in compound words like 競走馬 (racehorse) or 競走場 (racetrack).
彼は100メートル競走で優勝した。
He won the 100-meter footrace.
Specifically a footrace, often used for school sports day events. Emphasizes running on foot as opposed to other types of races.
運動会の徒競走で一番になった。
I came first in the footrace at the sports day.
Loanword from English, but rarely used. May be understood in some contexts but sounds unnatural.
Avoid using this; it's not common Japanese.
フットレースに参加した。
I participated in a footrace.
To talk about a short, informal running race, especially among children.
Casual term for a running race, often used by children. Implies a short distance and friendly competition.
放課後に友達とかけっこをした。
I had a footrace with my friends after school.
Also used for short races, but more formal than かけっこ. Common in school contexts.
To refer to a footrace over a long distance, such as a marathon.
Refers to a marathon, but often used broadly for any long-distance running race.
来月、東京マラソンに出場します。
I will participate in the Tokyo Marathon next month.
Literally 'long-distance running', used in athletic contexts.
彼は長距離走の選手だ。
He is a long-distance runner.
To talk about a footrace as an organized event, often with a specific name.
Loanword meaning 'race', used for any kind of race including footraces. Very common.
明日のレースに向けて練習している。
I'm training for tomorrow's race.
Can mean race or competition, but broader than just running. Often used in phrases like 競争する (to compete).
競走 is the most general term for a running race and can be used in formal contexts. 徒競走 specifically emphasizes running on foot and is common in school sports days. かけっこ is a casual, child-friendly term for a short sprint or dash.
The direct loanword フットレース is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use 競走 or 徒競走 instead.
一年生の徒競走は50メートルです。
The first graders' footrace is 50 meters.
彼と競争して勝った。
I raced him and won.