EN_GB 
JA Race Information, Year 3
Friday, 12th June 2026
Windsor > Reading > Windsor
Starting beneath the shadow of historic Windsor, teams will race along the beautiful Thames Path all the way to King’s Meadow in Reading, before turning for the run back home.
The 112km course is split into 10 legs, with 9 tasuki handover points where teammates pass the sash in true traditional ekiden style.
Following the River Thames through riverside towns, open fields, bridges and winding paths, the route combines fast paved sections with gravel tracks and grassy trails.
From narrow footpath gates to busy town crossings, the constantly changing terrain creates a challenging and unpredictable race from start to finish.
Come along to cheer the teams throughout the day!
Whether you catch the electric atmosphere at the start in Windsor, a dramatic mid-race sash exchange, or the final push back to the finish, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement up close.
Bring friends, family, banners and loud cheers! Every runner will need them. Ganbatte 頑張って
Get to know the teams participating
"Taking part in the Ekiden relays means a great deal to our team. It’s not just about speed or strength, but about coming together to create a space where every member can contribute, thrive, and feel part of something bigger."
"Taking part in the UK Ekiden was certainly the biggest highlight of last year alongside BUCS XC, and we were proud to finish above and have good competition with some of the biggest names in the UK university long-distance scene."
"The UK Ekiden is a highlight of our yearly calendar and presents the opportunity for Oxford to once again demonstrate the strength and depth of our distance team. This year we’re in a better position than ever."
The full map can be found above. The different leg distances of the route are as follows:
- Windsor to Maidenhead: 10.2km
- Maidenhead to Bisham Abbey: 14.4km
- Bisham Abbey to Henley-on-Thames: 14.1km
- Henley-on-Thames to Sonning: 12.6km
- Sonning to Kings Meadow, Reading (halfway point): 5.1km
- King’s Meadow, Reading (halfway point) to Sonning: 5.1km
- Sonning to Henley-on-Thames: 12.6km
- Henley-on-Thames to Bisham Abbey: 14.1km
- Bisham Abbey to Maidenhead: 14.4km
- Maidenhead to Windsor: 10.2km
- Start: Brocas Field, Meadow Lane, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6SS
- Handover point 1 Maidenhead Rowing Club, River Road, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0AT
- Handover point 2 Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, Bisham Village, Marlow Rd, Bisham, Marlow, SL7 1RR
- Handover point 3 Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF
- Handover point 4 The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY
- Handover point 5 HALFWAY POINT Reading, Kings Meadow, Napier Road, Reading, RG1 8AB
- Handover point 6 The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY
- Handover point 7 Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF
- Handover point 8 Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, Bisham Village, Marlow Rd, Bisham, Marlow SL7 1RR
- Handover point 9 Maidenhead Rowing Club, River Road, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0AT
- Finish: Brocas Field, Meadow Lane, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6SS
Come watch the race live! Either pick a convenient picnic spot along the Thames Path, or get comfortable in local pubs and restaurants along the route whilst watching the race go by:
- Between 7-9 AM at the event village and start/finish line, Brocas Field, Windsor
- Roux at Skindles, Mill Ln. Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0AG
- El Cerdo Tapas Bar, Marina, Wharf Ln, Wooburn Green, Bourne End SL8 5RP, UK
- The Boathouse, Station Rd, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AZ, UK
- Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames – handover point
- The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK
- Between 11:30am and 14:00 – halfway point at King’s Meadow, Reading.