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What is an Ekiden ?

Its origin

Born in Japan, the Ekiden is a relay race run over the marathon distance of 42.195 km. Unlike traditional marathons, the Ekiden emphasizes teamwork and solidarity. Each team is made up of six runners who take it in turns to complete the total distance. Team spirit and the importance of relays are at the heart of this event, which combines individual performance with commitment to a common goal.

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“MAIF Ekiden de Paris | Présentation”

THE DIFFERENT distances

The distances to be covered are predefined and assigned to each rider in the following order: 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km and 7.195 km. This allows each team member to play a crucial role in the race, whether on the shorter or longer stages. This diversity of distances makes the Ekiden accessible to different levels of runners, and reinforces the sense of cooperation, with everyone doing their bit to reach the finish line.

WHAT ABOUT TODAY ?

Today, Ekiden has spread far beyond Japan and has become a popular race in many countries. It embodies the universal values of sport: surpassing oneself, solidarity and conviviality. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced runner, the Ekiden offers a unique experience where collective effort takes on its full meaning. In France, the Ekiden has seen a particular boom in recent years, with events multiplying, often under the aegis of athletics clubs or sports associations. These events are an opportunity for runners of all abilities to get together and share a unique experience.