Jun 25 (News On Japan) –
The first-ever Ekiden relay race within the UK was held on June 24. The “UK Ekiden” noticed participation from 18 groups, together with blended groups of Japanese and British runners, who collectively ran a 72-mile (roughly 115 kilometers) course divided into 10 segments, passing the tasuki (sash) to one another.
Among these current at the start line have been the British Ambassador to Japan, Longbottom, and former British marathon runner Mara Yamauchi, whose coach is her Japanese husband. The occasion organizers expressed their hope that the race, coinciding with the go to of the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the UK, would strengthen the bonds between Japan and the UK.
Organizer Anna acknowledged, “Based on the Hakone Ekiden, we launched the first Ekiden race in the UK.”
“To the Emperor and Empress, the UK Ekiden participants send a message of ‘Welcome to the UK.'”
“I believe the ties between Japan and the UK will grow stronger.”
The organizers plan to proceed selling Ekiden within the UK by future occasions.
Source: 日テレNEWS