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JA The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden
Run by yourself, but never alone.
FT Nikkei UK Ekiden, Year 3
The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 3 will take place on Friday, the 12th of June 2026, along the Thames Path from Windsor to Reading and back.
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 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 114 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!
