Encyclopedia of Sport: Every sport from around the world
Topend Sports Logo

Ekiden Long-Distance Relay Running

Ekiden is long-distance relay running, typically held on roads. The term Ekiden originated in Japan, where such long-distance relay events are popular.



The lengths of races can vary greatly, as can the number of runners on a team. The total race distances may cover hundreds of kilometers. Runners carry a cloth sash that they pass to the next runner.

The world's longest relay race is Japan's Prince Takamatsu Cup Nishinippon Round-Kyūshū Ekiden, which covers 1,064 kilometers (661 miles), leaving from Nagasaki. There was a World Road Relay Championships held every two years from 1992 until 1998, involving teams of six to covering a total marathon distance.

long-distance running racelong-distance running race


Similar Pages

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Sport Extra

Check out the 800+ sports in the Encyclopedia of Every Sport. Well not every sport, as there is a list of unusual sports, extinct sports and newly created sports. How to get on these lists? See What is a sport? We also have sports winners lists, and about major sports events and a summary of every year.

 → How to Cite