JA 
EN_GB Schools, Year 3
At the UK Ekiden, we believe that the spirit of the ekiden race is something everyone can learn from, regardless of age. That’s why, each year, we develop a range of activities and competitions designed for students at all levels. The ekiden is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of teamwork, culture, and tradition, and we want to share that with students across the country.
Inspiring the next generation
For the past three years, primary and secondary schools across the United Kingdom have been holding Mini-Ekiden races. Hundreds of children and young people have learnt about Japan and Japanese culture while experiencing the joy of teamwork, determination and friendly competition through running an Ekiden.
Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of runners. And who knows, perhaps one day some of these students might go on to represent their universities in the UK Ekiden!
What is 'Ekiden'?
Originating in Japan over 100 years ago, the ekiden is a long-distance, multi-stage relay running race. 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 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.
Mini-Ekidens reach more schools than ever in Year 3
Year 3 marked a huge milestone for our schools programme. Alongside our popular Mini-Ekiden-in-a-Box for primary schools, we launched secondary school boxes for the very first time.
Demand exceeded all expectations, with every secondary school box allocated and a 150% increase in boxes distributed compared with last year. Schools and clubs across the UK embraced the programme, introducing hundreds of young people to the excitement, teamwork and tradition of Ekiden racing.
Throughout the year, we visited schools to bring the story of UK Ekiden to life through interactive assemblies.
We were delighted to deliver sessions at:
- Trinity CE Primary School (Henley)
- Rupert House School
- Charters School, a particularly special visit as it was founder Anna’s former school.
At Trinity and Rupert House, colleagues from our wonderful sponsor Abeam joined us, giving pupils a unique insight into Japanese culture and the rich history of Ekiden racing. Pupils also got an up-close look at our new Corporate Trophy while learning about the traditions behind this iconic relay event.
From Mini-Ekiden to the main race
The impact of Mini-Ekidens was clear on race day, as two participating schools joined us to experience the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden firsthand.
Courthouse Junior School cheered on runners at the Maidenhead handover before heading out for an inspiring run of their own. Trinity CE Primary School visited the Henley handover, met Paddington™, enjoyed the spectacular Taiko drummers, and enthusiastically supported the runners, showing how Mini-Ekidens are inspiring the next generation of Ekiden participants.
The enthusiasm from teachers, headteachers, and schools has been incredible. So much so that plans are already being discussed to create a borough-wide teachers’ community team to take part in the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 4.
Beyond the Mini-Ekiden
Over the past three years, schools have been involved with the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden beyond the Mini-Ekiden. Alongside taking part in Mini-Ekiden races, pupils have helped bring the event to life through creative challenges and educational activities.
We launched a medal design competition, supported by the Financial Times Schools section, inviting pupils to design their vision for an Ekiden medal. The competition received fantastic entries, with a winning design selected from a participating school.
We have also created educational activity packs in partnership with the Japan Society, helping teachers and pupils explore the history of Ekiden, Japanese culture and the values of teamwork and perseverance.
