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JA On June 24, 2025, primary schools along the scenic Thames Path were invited to participate in Mini Ekidens, coinciding with the inaugural UK Ekiden. This initiative aimed to introduce school children across the country to the rich traditions of Ekiden running from Japan.
One local school embraced this opportunity by organising a vibrant mini-ekiden on the same day as the UK Ekiden. The event featured:
- Whole School Assembly: The school held an assembly dedicated to Japan, the culture of Ekiden, and the significance of the tasuki. Students learned about the history of the race and its importance in Japanese culture, fostering a deeper understanding of global traditions.
- A mini-ekiden race: Students formed teams to run relay races, passing the traditional sash (tasuki) as they competed. This allowed children of all abilities to participate and enjoy the excitement of teamwork.
This initiative not only provided a fun and engaging experience for students but also aimed to inspire them for the future. The hope is that in 10-15 years, these schoolchildren will continue their love for running and participate in the full UK Ekiden as university students, creating a lasting legacy of the Ekiden spirit in the UK.
Primary Schools Mini-ekiden
We wanted to introduce the concept and culture of Ekiden from Japan to school children across the country.
Featured here is a local school along the route that held a mini Ekiden on the same day as the inaugural UK Ekiden. They also had a whole school assembly about Japan, Ekiden and the Tasuki.
We hope that in 10-15 years, these schoolchildren will be at university and running the full UK Ekiden, too!
To host a mini-ekiden in your school in 2025, please contact us. Or to find out more about our Schools initiative here.