Ekiden 駅伝

Ekiden is a relay-marathon race which is a Japanese track and field sport. At each relay point called Eki or station, runners pass a Tasuki (a sache) instead of a baton. Among them, Hakone Ekiden which takes place on Jan. 2 and 3 is the most well-known and popular. Only 20 selected university teams from Eastern Japan can participate and the race is televised. The return trip course extends between Tokyo and Hakone, a total of 217.1 km, which is run by 10 runners on each team. Some of them will become professional runners representing Japan in future. 

Official guidebook of Hakone Ekiden

Running is my hobby, too, so of course, I like to watch Ekiden. Participating in a small Ekiden in my local community with my running friends is a good memory for me. I always say to my international friends, “Ekiden is a team sport! Please run for your team!” Ekiden is more exciting and enjoyable than individual races and watching Hakone Ekiden on TV reminds me of that.

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