The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden

Run by yourself, but never alone.

FT Nikkei UK Ekiden, Year 3

Friday 12 June 2026. 35 teams. 10 legs and 9 handover points. 112 kilometres along the Thames Path. Watch from the event village at Windsor, or anywhere along the route.

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Get to know the teams participating

"Taking part in the Ekiden relays means a great deal to our team. It’s not just about speed or strength, but about coming together to create a space where every member can contribute, thrive, and feel part of something bigger."

University of Edinburgh

"Taking part in the UK Ekiden was certainly the biggest highlight of last year alongside BUCS XC, and we were proud to finish above and have good competition with some of the biggest names in the UK university long-distance scene."

UCL

"The UK Ekiden is a highlight of our yearly calendar and presents the opportunity for Oxford to once again demonstrate the strength and depth of our distance team. This year we’re in a better position than ever."

The University of Oxford

Join us on Friday, 12th of June at Brocas Field to cheer on your teammates, friends, family – and meet Paddington bear!

Latest news

Ekiden at 100: A Japanese model for sport for development

Press release: Third FT Nikkei UK Ekiden to be the most competitive race yet – with 17 UK top athletic university teams to compete in the country’s premier endurance team relay

More sponsors join the start line of UK Ekiden Year 3; ABeam, Daiwa Capital Markets Europe, Japanese Airlines and Marsh

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“What I love about the UK Ekiden is how it brings together the best of Japanese and British traditions — athletic, cultural, and academic. It’s a race built on teamwork, and for us, that means that it's a really impactful event for our people, our brand, and our global outlook.”

"I will never forget the smiles of my colleagues cheering me on at the finish line, with Windsor Castle behind me."

"Last year I had the chance to run at UK Ekiden myself—and the moment I passed the tasuki sash, I felt something special. Ekiden isn’t just about speed; it’s about trust, teamwork, and the human connection that comes from running for your teammates. As UK Ekiden enters Year 3, ASICS is proud to return as a sponsor, and we hope this uniquely Japanese long distance relay culture will take root here in the UK—especially within its strong university sporting tradition—and inspire even more people to run together."

“We hope it will be something that will last long into the future and help deepen the ties between Japan and the UK.”

“The UK Ekiden provides a great opportunity to witness fantastic teamwork. This exciting event will foster people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the UK!"

"We are delighted that the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 3 has been shaping up so well - a tribute to the teamwork, commitment and enthusiasm that characterises the race itself. As the ranks of teams and sponsors continues to grow, we are excited about the long-term potential for this special event.”

The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden stands as a powerful symbol of unity, reflecting the close partnership between Nikkei and the Financial Times and the enduring ties between Japan and the United Kingdom. Through the universal language of sport, it connects people and fosters enduring bonds through the relay sash (tasuki). We are deeply honoured to take part in this historic initiative.

Thank you to all our Sponsors

The UK Ekiden was proudly supported by several sponsors who have been aligned with the athleticism, history, and Japanese heritage of the race. Sponsoring businesses also entered teams into the ‘Runners’ category.

Thank you to all our Supporters

Highlights from Year 2

The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 2 took place on Friday, June 20, 2025, along the scenic Thames Path. Thirty-one teams tackled the 112 km Thames Path route between Windsor and Reading, with Ritsumeikan University from Japan taking first place for the ‘Racers’ category, and Hi Seiki Maurten winning the corporate and community ‘Runners’ category.

Thank you to all our racers, runners, sponsors and supporters for making it an unforgettable Year 2!

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.