JA 
EN_GB The Royal Air Force once again demonstrated the values of teamwork, endurance and international friendship by returning to compete in the third FT Nikkei UK Ekiden on 12 June 2026.
Inspired by Japan’s famous Hakone Ekiden, the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden brings together universities, businesses and communities in a mixed-gender relay race along the River Thames from Windsor to Reading and back. First launched during the State Visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in 2024—the centenary year of the Hakone Ekiden—the race has quickly become one of the most significant sporting celebrations of the UK–Japan relationship.
The event is jointly sponsored by the Financial Times and Nikkei, reflecting the close partnership between the UK and Japan across business, education, culture and sport.
Among those watching the race was Lord Trenchard, Honorary Air Commodore of 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and a UK Ekiden Ambassador, who attended to support the RAF team.
"As an Ambassador for the UK Ekiden I was delighted to be present at Eton to watch this year's event. It was inspiring to see such a competitive race bringing together runners from leading British and Japanese universities alongside teams from companies and communities with close UK–Japan links. I was particularly pleased to support the Royal Air Force team, which produced an outstanding performance. Having lived and worked in Japan for more than twelve years, I am delighted to see the UK Ekiden flourishing and to witness the RAF embracing an event that so perfectly reflects the values of teamwork, perseverance and friendship that both our nations share.
The Royal Air Force team delivered an outstanding performance, crossing the finish line first in an impressive time in the Corporate and Community race. However, because the team did not meet the event’s eligibility requirement of five men and five women, they were not eligible to compete for the official prizes and therefore could not be declared the official winners.
The team is already looking ahead to UK Ekiden 4, where they hope to return with a full mixed team of five men and five women to compete for the title. As word spreads about the event across the RAF, the growing depth of talent suggests they will once again be among the teams to watch.
It has been a privilege to captain the Royal Air Force team at the UK Ekiden for the last two iterations of the race. Having worked closely with the Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defence Force), the race carries particular meaning for me. It was therefore an honour to take the tape – by some margin – at this year's race, although a technicality meant we were unable to emerge as official victors. We have been quicker year on year, however, and as word spreads about how incredible this race is, the depth of talent in the RAF should ensure we claim the win at Ekiden 4.
The RAF’s participation also reflects the increasingly close defence partnership between the UK and Japan. Alongside joint training and defence cooperation, both countries are partners in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which is developing a next-generation fighter aircraft. Fittingly, the UK Ekiden route turns at Reading, home to the UK headquarters of GCAP, providing a symbolic link between one of the world’s most important defence collaborations and an event that celebrates teamwork, friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
The Embassy of Japan in the UK also welcomed the RAF’s continued involvement, highlighting the deeper significance of the race beyond competition.
The Government of Japan, particularly the Air Self-Defence Force, enjoys a close partnership with the Royal Air Force. It therefore means a lot to us that the RAF team has participated in the Ekiden, which has a long tradition in Japan. Our Embassy members participated last year, and we were delighted to organise the State Visit Legacy Team this year as well. We share with the RAF the spirit of teamwork embodied by the relay of the tasuki sash, which promises the further development of the Japan–UK relationship.
As an RAF wife it felt particularly meaningful to have an RAF team in the race. The relay route runs through the beautiful Thames Valley and turns at Reading, home to the UK headquarters of GCAP. The values of teamwork, international connections, commitment and service are at the heart of both ekiden racing and military life.
As the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden continues to grow, the participation of the Royal Air Force has become an important symbol of the enduring partnership between the UK and Japan. Through sport, the race celebrates not only athletic excellence, but also the friendships, shared values and international cooperation that continue to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
