Ekiden is a popular long distance relay event in Japan. To enhance its global reach the Japanese Sports Giant Asics adds another chapter to distance running in India
Nearly 100 enthusiastic Japanese will team up with Indian runners to mark the first edition of ASICS Ekiden India 2026 this weekend in Gurgaon.
Rules of the first edition of Ekiden have made it mandatory to have one Japanese and one Indian runner in each team. Around 100 teams are expected to step on the starting line and each runner will cover 2.5km in the 10km event.
“The Ekiden is to connect more people through running,” one of the Japanese female runners taking part in Sunday’s event told Sportsbackstory.com.
Ekiden is a popular long distance relay event in Japan. To enhance its global reach the Japanese Sports Giant Asics adds another chapter to distance running in India
Instead of a baton, the runners carry a Tasuki (sash) over their shoulder and pass it to the next runner.
“Ekiden represents a new way of looking at running as a shared experience built on culture, teamwork and trust,” Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia said. “Through initiatives like ASICS Ekiden India 2026, we aim to continue building the running ecosystem in the country while bringing global running culture and Japanese heritage closer to Indian runners.”
Marathon runner Kartik Karkera, who is sponsored by Asics said, distance running teaches you discipline, patience and consistency. “But Ekiden brings a completely different dimension to the sport through teamwork,” Karkera added.
EOM
