EN_GB 
JA 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.
What is 'ekiden'?
Originating in Japan over 100 years ago, the ekiden is a long-distance, multi-stage relay running race.
The word “ekiden” comes from eki (station) and den (message), symbolising the passing of a message from one station to another. The first ekiden race took place in 1917, and today, schools across Japan continue the tradition with annual races.
Teamwork is a core value of ekiden, making it the perfect opportunity for students to learn more about Japan and celebrate the tradition behind this historic race.