EN_GB 
JA On the 12th, a British version of Japan’s famous Hakone Ekiden relay race was held on the outskirts of London, with local university students and others taking part.
The relay race attracted around 350 runners from 35 teams, including teams from the University of Cambridge and various companies. Starting in Windsor, participants passed the relay sash (tasuki) through 10 stages, covering approximately 112 kilometres.
Runner from the winning University of Oxford team: “It was so much fun! I’ve never experienced a race like this before. Being cheered on by so many people and running together with so many teammates makes Ekiden something truly special.”
Runner from Ritsumeikan University, participating from Japan: “It was a great experience to share this part of Japanese culture with international runners. We encouraged each other and enjoyed experiencing Ekiden together.”
This was the third edition of the event. The founder, Ms Anna Dingley, says she was inspired after watching the Hakone Ekiden in Japan and was particularly moved by the spirit of passing on the tasuki. She launched the UK event two years ago in conjunction with the 100th Hakone Ekiden.
UK Ekiden organiser, Ms Dingley said: “What moves me about the Hakone Ekiden is the support it receives from communities all over the country. People watch it on television and go out to cheer on the runners. I think that’s wonderful. I’d love to see the UK Ekiden continue all the way to its 100th edition.”
Participants said they would like to return and take part again next year.