A Day at the Ekiden Relay Marathon: Running, Tradition, and New Connections

Discover the heart of Japan’s Ekiden marathon, where teamwork and tradition come together to create a race unlike any other.

a photo of running team before the race — my first ekiden relay marathon in Japan

Early Start and Team Preparation

On the 23rd of November 2024, I had an unforgettable experience participating in my first ekiden relay marathon in Japan. My day began early, at 5:30 am, as I prepared for the race. Since the weather forecast predicted possible rain in the morning, I packed extra clothes to change into afterward to avoid catching a cold. To protect myself from light rain, I thought a waterproof running coat and cap would be useful. Finding one seemed easy enough through shopping, but here in Japan, we headed to Workman (https://www.workman.co.jp/), where I found a great selection of clothes for both work and sports. The products here are of good quality, durable, and competitively priced. With over 1,000 stores across Japan, it's easy to access. Proper preparation is key to a successful race. In addition to clothes, I made sure to have a good breakfast to keep my body energized for the long day ahead. I also drank a jelly vitamin pack to boost my immune system. In Japan, this type of jelly pack is a popular choice, offering not just vitamins but also protein, minerals, and energy. If these products aren’t available in your country, you can try them when you travel to Japan. I think they could be a useful option for long-day travel too.

At 7:30 am, my friend Shunji picked me up at Toyooka Station, and we drove to Kumihama to join the event. The drive from the station to the bay took about 30 minutes (around 20 km). The sky was cloudy, but there was no rain, and we kept our hopes high that the weather would stay dry until after the race. While driving, my friend explained to me about ekiden, so here are some quick notes for you in case you haven't heard about it yet:

Exploring Japan's Ekiden and the Symbolism of the Tasuki The ekiden (駅伝) is a traditional Japanese marathon relay race where teams divide the total marathon distance into several sections. Each runner completes a specific leg of the race, passing a tasuki band to the next runner. What makes ekiden unique is the tasuki band, a long piece of fabric worn over the shoulder. The tasuki band exchange is a pivotal moment in the race, requiring perfect coordination among teammates to maintain speed and ensure a smooth transition. This practice is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and running tradition, reflecting the importance of collaboration and mutual support in achieving a shared goal. In addition to its function in the race, the tasuki band holds symbolic significance. It represents the passing of responsibility from one runner to the next, emphasizing the team's collective effort. The act of handing over the tasuki band is not just a physical exchange but a gesture of trust and solidarity among teammates. As one of Japan’s major sporting events, the ekiden embodies more than just athleticism – it is a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and tradition. Watching an ekiden race is an emotional experience, where every handoff carries the weight of the team's efforts and aspirations.

Team Introduction and Ceremony

Upon arriving, Shunji and I entered the main hall of the event, where many people were gathered, sitting on tatami mats with gas ovens surrounding us to keep warm. Outside, the temperature was around 7-8℃. Our team consisted of six members: five men and one woman. The team leader started a warm-up meeting to connect everyone, and we introduced ourselves one by one. Then, the team leader shared the race map and the starting locations. The opening ceremony began at 8:30 am, and after it concluded, we boarded a bus to our starting points. My starting point was the 4th leg of the race.

Warm-Up and Pre-Race Nerves

When we arrived at the race location, I took some time to warm up my body. The area in front of Kumihama Bay was very windy and cold, which made it a bit challenging. Despite warming up and being covered by four layers of Uniqlo Heattech, my body kept shaking uncontrollably. I watched around me as people of all ages, from high school students to older runners in their 50s and 60s, prepared for the race. Some runners ignored the cold, wearing sleeveless tank tops and shorts, which surprised me with their spirit. I waited anxiously as the organizer called out team numbers. When my team number, 26, was announced, I knew it was my turn.

The Handoff: A Key Moment in the Race

At the starting point, I saw my teammate from a distance, wearing the tasuki band, speeding toward me. She handed it over, and I began my race. I quickly put the tasuki band over my shoulder and moved ahead, aiming for the 5th place where Shunji was waiting. The strong wind from the sea made it harder to keep my speed. My body was still shaking, and every breath I took felt cold as it entered my lungs. It was a challenge to maintain my pace while trying to harmonize my breathing. As I ran, I saw my family cheering me on from the side of the road. My son waved a flag, and my wife shouted, "Try hard and run faster!" That brief moment of cheer brought so much happiness and energy. I gave it my all, fueled by the support of my loved ones.

my child hold an Australian flag on his hand to cheer me up — My son waved a flag but Australian one 🤣

Team Spirit and Race Completion

When I arrived at the 5th place, I handed the tasuki band to Shunji for the next leg of the race. After completing my run, I felt good but needed a moment to catch my breath. We stayed around at the 5th place, waiting for the last runners to pass by, then we boarded the bus back to the event hall. Once there, we shared our experiences and exchanged words of appreciation: "Thank you for all your hard work." Although our team finished in 10th place and didn’t win any prizes, the satisfaction of completing the race together was overwhelming. We celebrated our teamwork and the effort we all put in.

Lunch with a Hot Ramen Bowl

After the race, it was around 12:30 pm, and we were all ready for lunch. A hot bowl of ramen noodles was the perfect choice to warm up our tired bodies. The comfort of the meal was exactly what we needed after the race. We enjoyed lunch with pleasant conversation and discussed our plans for future races, including one in Himeji. Of course, we also confirmed that our team would gather again for the Kumihama relay marathon next year.

Relaxing and Reflecting in Kinosaki: Onsen and Coffee Shop Conversations

After lunch, Shunji and I headed to Kinosaki for an onsen experience. This was my first time enjoying an onsen with a Japanese friend, and it was both relaxing and memorable. In Vietnam, same-sex friends typically don’t have the opportunity to bathe together due to cultural norms. As a Vietnamese, I initially felt shy about exposing myself in front of strangers. However, after several visits to the onsen, I became more comfortable and engaged with the culture. I no longer hesitated to join friends in an onsen, and I look forward to inviting my friends from Vietnam to share this unique experience when they visit Japan.

After the soothing onsen experience, we went to a cozy coffee shop in Kinosaki to unwind. We enjoyed small talks and reflected on the day's events. It had been a long day filled with memorable moments. I shared with Shunji that I would love to host a similar experience for anyone visiting the town—taking the same route from Kumihama Bay to Kinosaki Onsen. What a wonderful way to bond over travel, culture, and friendship!