皇后盃・第44回全国都道府県対抗女子駅伝（日本陸連主催、京都新聞、NHK共催、村田機械協賛）の開会式が2026年1月10日、京都市右京区の京都市体育館で行われた。47都道府県の代表選手が一堂に会し、京都市内でのレースに向け気持ちを高めた。
日本陸連の有森裕子会長が「それぞれの願う目標に向け、最高の走りにしてください」と激励した。

The opening ceremony for the Empress's Cup, the 44th National Inter-Prefectural Women's Ekiden (hosted by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, co-hosted by the Kyoto Shimbun and NHK, and sponsored by Murata Machinery) was held on January 10, 2026, at the Kyoto City Gymnasium in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. Athletes representing all 47 prefectures gathered together to get pumped for the race in Kyoto City.
Japan Association of Athletics Federations President Yuko Arimori encouraged the athletes, saying, "Please run your best and aim to achieve your individual goals."