Collection: Ekiden

The Ekiden (駅伝) is a long-distance, multi-stage relay running race, originating in Japan. During the race, each runner runs a leg from one "station" to the next, and then hands on a cloth sash called a tasuki, to the next runner to carry to their next station.

The modern Ekiden follows the concept of Japanese hikyaku couriers from the early 20th century, who would transport messages by horse and cart from one station to another for the next courier to take on.

The modern day Ekiden inspired by the couriers, brings teams of usually 6–10 runners (depending on the race) who pass a cloth sash called a tasuki, instead of a message (or traditional relay baton) from station to station.

Different age and gender groups run different distances for each Ekiden, typically 42.195km for Japanese National Ekiden to 219km for Hakone Ekiden.

National Ekiden races involve 9 women running a combined 42.195 kilometres, and 7 men run running a combined 48 kilometers.

In Corporate Ekiden Championships, 6 women runners cover a combined 42.195 kilometres, while 7 men run a combined 100km.

For the collegiate Hakone Ekiden, teams of 10 male athletes run 21.9 kilometres each over a 2-day event.

Races — especially the Hakone Ekiden and corporate Ekidens — hold major cultural significance in Japan, blending school pride, teamwork, endurance, and national celebration. The Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan’s most-watched sporting events with 2025 roughly 55.4 million people tuned in over the two-day broadcast and around 1 million spectators on course.