The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden: A Unique Relay Race Teachers Should Know About In June, one of the most exciting running events in the UK takes place: the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden. Inspired by a long-standing Japanese sporting tradition, the race brings together university teams from across the country in a relay that celebrates teamwork, endurance and international culture. For teachers looking to inspire pupils with sport, teamwork and global connections, these ekidens offers a brilliant story – and many schools are even starting to run their own mini-ekiden events. What is an ekiden? The word “ekiden” comes from Japan and refers to a long-distance relay race, where teams of runners complete different sections of a course and pass on a tasuki sash instead of a baton. The format dates back centuries, when runners carried messages between relay stations along Japan’s road network. Over time it evolved into a sporting tradition, and today ekiden races are some of the most prestigious running events in Japan. The most famous of these races is the Hakone Ekiden, an annual university relay held every January between Tokyo and Hakone. Teams of ten runners each complete a stage of the course and pass the tasuki to the next runner, symbolising the effort and commitment of the entire team. What makes an ekiden special is that it isn’t just about individual speed – success depends on teamwork, tactics and supporting each other across every stage of the race. The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden was created to bring this famous Japanese race format to the UK, and celebrate the connection between the two countries through sport. The first UK event took place in June 2024, marking the 100th anniversary year of the Hakone Ekiden. Teams compete in mixed-gender teams of 10 runners (five men and five women), each covering one stage of the course before handing over the tasuki to a teammate. The 2026 FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Date: Friday 12 June 2026 Distance: 114 km relay Route: Along the Thames Path from Windsor to Reading and back Format: 10 stages ranging from roughly 5 km to 15 km. The race attracts top student endurance athletes from across the country and has quickly become an exciting new fixture in the UK university running calendar. Universities competing in the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Fifteen universities from across the UK will compete in the 2026 race, representing some of the strongest student endurance programmes in the country. These include: Cardiff University Durham University King’s College London Loughborough University Newcastle University St Mary’s University University College London University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Leeds University of Oxford Many of these institutions have athletics clubs and regularly compete in national university competitions. The ekiden format allows them to showcase not just individual talent but the depth and teamwork of their squads. For teachers, this means that there is likely a participating university not far from your school, making it easier to connect pupils with local role models in sport. Why ekiden is great for schools One of the most exciting aspects of the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden is how it connects with schools. Organisers encourage schools to run “mini-ekiden” relay races, allowing pupils to experience the teamwork and strategy involved in the event. Benefits for students include: Learning about Japanese culture and international sport Experiencing team-based endurance challenges Encouraging participation and cooperation Developing resilience and perseverance Unlike many running events, an ekiden emphasises that every team member matters, making it a fantastic activity for school communities. Bringing an ekiden to your school Teachers interested in the race might: Watch coverage of the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden with pupils Research the university team closest to your school Organise a mini-ekiden relay in PE lessons or sports day Explore Japanese culture alongside sport in cross-curricular learning Organise a school trip to watch the race The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden shows how sport can build bridges between cultures while inspiring the next generation of runners. A Top for teachers: Look up the university nearest to your school from the list above — many athletics clubs share race updates and could provide inspiration for pupils interested in running. Register for your own mini-Ekiden-in-a-Box which includes tasukis, guidebook and stickers here.
