Long distance
relays, called ekidens, were
initiated in Japan in the 1917 and commemorated the Japanese "Pony
Express", when mail was delivered between Tokyo and Kyoto by riders who
passed the post bag to the next rider at the end of each leg. The sash
worn in the modern ekiden symbolizes the strap
of the mail bag. Ekidens became very popular in Japan, and have spread
around the world in recent years.
Although ekidens have been run over various lengths, the modern event
has evolved with generally five to six runners per team, contested over
the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. This year, the Atlanta Ekiden Relay
distance is 32.8 kilometers - each leg is approximately 3.2 miles.
The race starts and finishes near the Charles Allen Gate, which is also the sash exchange point, and circles Piedmont Park.
|
Atlanta Ekiden Relay
Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
September 21, 2008
Details & Registration
Atlanta's edition
of the ekiden is a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games.
When Atlanta was awarded the Games in 1990, the Tokyo Broadcasting
Corporation approached the ATC about putting on an ekiden event.
Although TBS eventually was forced to withdraw from the project due to
the faltering Japanese economy, the event itself was a success and
remains a highlight of the
Atlanta running calendar.
The Atlanta
event has been designed around a single exchange point in Piedmont Park.
Teams consist of from four to six members, each of whom runs one or more
3.2-mile legs to complete the 19 mile relay (31K).
The
event is limited to a to a total of 150 teams with specially
designed mugs awarded to the top teams in each of 14 divisions. (For
every four teams within a division, mugs will be awarded to each team
member of the top placing team in that division. For example, if there
are 20 teams entered in the Men's Open Division, awards will be given
to the top five teams). Awards will also be given for Best Team Name
(most imaginative--keep in mind, this is a family event), and Best Team
T-shirt. Distinctively designed, high quality T-shirts will be awarded
to all participants.
|
