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JA The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden
Run by yourself, but never alone.
FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 2
THE RACE IS ON!
The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 2 takes place on Friday, 20th of June 2025, along the scenic Thames Path. 15 of the UK’s fastest university running teams will go head-to-head in fierce competition, with 15 corporate teams battling for position.
Expect fierce rivalries and unforgettable performances as the runners push themselves to the limit. The ekiden tests not just individual ability but the collective strength of teams, promising an electrifying competition like no other.
Join us on Brocas Field in Windsor and along the route to support your team and follow the action live!
Sponsors
The UK Ekiden is proudly supported by a number of sponsors who are excited to be aligned with the athleticism, history and Japanese heritage of the race. Sponsoring businesses are also entering teams into the ‘Runners’ category.
Thank you to all our sponsors.
Thank you to all our Supporters.
Latest news
About the UK Ekiden
Attracting millions of spectators, ekiden races are some of Japan’s most prestigious sporting events. A popular running race format in schools, universities and companies across Japan, the ekiden traces its roots back hundreds of years to a time when runners relayed important messages between stations along predetermined routes.
The ekiden is more than just a race. Each member of an ekiden team has a role to play, a leg to run, and the tasuki to pass. The race isn’t about how fast a single runner is, but rather how well the team can work together.
In celebration of the 100th Hakone Ekiden, the UK Ekiden brings this unique format of competitive university team racing to the UK. Split into two categories; racers and runners, the UK Ekiden sees top university athletes race against each other in a team of 10 (5 men and 5 women). Corporate teams have the opportunity to participate by sponsoring the event and entering a team of their own to compete in the runner’s category.
Celebrating the best of Japan and the UK, the UK Ekiden offers an opportunity for participants and spectators to celebrate Japanese culture against the scenic Thames Path that connects both Britain and Japan.
Highlights from Year One
The inaugural UK Ekiden successfully took place on 24th June 2024. Congratulations to all the runners and racers, and thank you to the Headline Sponsors and all the Founding Partners.
Discover more about the 2024 race.