21/01/2026
What is the Hakone Ekiden?
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Japan, the Hakone Ekiden stands as a symbol of both athletic prowess and cultural significance in Japan for the past 100 years. This relay marathon, often referred to as the “Hakone Ekiden,” has deep roots in Japanese history, captivating locals and enthusiasts alike with its unique blend of sportsmanship and tradition.
The history of the Hakone Ekiden dates back to 1920, making it one of the oldest and most celebrated relay races in the world. The event takes place annually on the 2nd and 3rd of January, aligning with the country’s New Year celebrations. The race spans a challenging 217.1 kilometers, starting in Otemachi, Tokyo, and concluding the first day on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. The same route runs back to Tokyo on the following day.
The origins of the Hakone Ekiden are intertwined with the ancient Japanese practice of “ekiden,” which translates to “station-to-station.” Historically, ekiden referred to the relay system used to transport official communications and goods during the Edo period. Drawing inspiration from this historical context, the Hakone Ekiden adopted the relay format, with university teams competing in a grueling two-day race passing a sash between racers on the team at predetermined spots along the race course.
Some call it one of the greatest races in the world. It is a sporting event full of drama, pride, physical perseverance, and mental fortitude. Now one of Japan’s most watched sporting events, the Tokyo Hakone Ekiden is a two-day university relay race held every year on January 2nd and 3rd for more than 100 years. The race fields teams of 10 runners from different Japanese Universities in a relay marathon race over 200km in two days. Each runner carries along and passes a sash to the next runner for the next leg. Strategy, endurance, and historic rivalries make for dramatic TV. The Hakone Ekiden is an event that especially appeals to the Japanese because ideas that form the basis of Japanese society and culture are venerated and on display here. The core ideals of mental strength, perseverance, and collectivism make this the biggest sporting event of the year for many Japanese. It is hosted by the Kanto Student Athletic Federation and co-hosted by the Yomiuri Shimbun Newspaper, credited with having the largest circulation of any newspaper in the world. In addition to the 19 participating Universities, there is also a Kanto Student Athletic Federation selection team made up of athletes from other schools. The course runs from the front of the Yomiuri Shimbun’s Tokyo Head Office Building in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo to Lake Ashinoko in Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture via Tsurumi, Totsuka, Hiratsuka, and Odawara relay stations, totaling 217.9 km (108 km outward and 109.9 km in return). The outward route from Tokyo to Hakone is run on January 2 and the return route from Hakone to Tokyo on January 3.
The Origins of the Hakone Ekiden
In October 1919, three people were on a train leaving Ueno Station in Tokyo. One of them was Shizo Kanaguri, a graduate of Tokyo Higher Normal School (now Tsukuba University). He participated in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics as a member of the marathon team, becoming the first Japanese Olympian. The other was Eiichi Sawada of Meiji University. Together with Rinjiro Deguchi of Meiji University, they ran the 830km route from Sapporo to Tokyo in 22 days. Genzaburo Noguchi, a professor of physical education at Tokyo Higher Normal School, represented Japan in the 1924 Paris Olympics Decathalon and was also an important person to the founding of this legendary race. The three of them were invited to be judges at a field day held at an elementary school in Konoha. They had a casual conversation in the car on the way there and talked about their dreams as track and field athletes. This was the beginning of the creation of the world’s oldest relay race, the Hakone Ekiden.
The Trans-American Ekiden
In the car, Kanaguri passionately argued that the Ekiden, a marathon relay race, was the best way to develop a large number of Japanese long-distance runners who could compete in the Olympics. However, Kanaguri had already run a race between Shimonoseki and Tokyo covering the Southern half of Japan with another Tokyo Higher Normal School student, Hiroyuki Akiba. Sawada, who was also on the train, had already run the Sapporo-Tokyo route running the Northern half of Japan, so the three of them felt that they had already run the whole of Japan. The three of them wondered if there was any way to train long-distance runners on an extraordinary scale. They came up with the idea of a “transcontinental marathon relay race across America”. The grand plan was to start in San Francisco, cross the Arizona desert, cross the Rocky Mountains, go through the rural areas of central America, and finish in New York. This was a plan of grand imagination by the young athletes. The three of them were determined to surprise people around the world and do something amazing. The “Trans-American Ekiden” started as a spur-of-the-moment idea in the car.
Ekiden and Japanese Culture
Beyond its competitive nature, the Hakone Ekiden holds immense cultural significance in Japan. The race’s timing, coinciding with the New Year, aligns with the Japanese tradition of embracing new beginnings. It is viewed as a symbol of determination, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence – values deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
Spectators line the course, cheering on the runners, creating an electrifying atmosphere that reverberates through the challenging terrains of the Hakone course. The race is broadcasted nationally, captivating millions of viewers and further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
In terms of global comparison, the Hakone Ekiden stands out as a unique blend of tradition and modern athleticism. While other renowned races like the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon command global attention, the Hakone Ekiden distinguishes itself with its relay format and university-centric focus.
The Boston Marathon, established in 1897, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest annual marathon. Renowned for its historic course and iconic “Heartbreak Hill,” the Boston Marathon attracts elite runners from around the world. Unlike the Hakone Ekiden, the Boston Marathon is an individual race, showcasing the endurance and tenacity of individual athletes rather than teams. In contrast, the Hakone Ekiden shares some similarities with the Ekiden Relay in Chiba, Japan. The Chiba Ekiden, held in February, follows a relay format and features both university and corporate teams. However, the Hakone Ekiden’s historical significance, larger scale, and unique course make it a standout event on the global stage.
In terms of cultural impact, the Hakone Ekiden’s fusion of tradition and athleticism resonates strongly with the Japanese ethos. The race’s connection to the New Year’s celebrations and its portrayal in popular media further elevate its cultural significance. In contrast, races like the Boston Marathon have a more international appeal, drawing participants and spectators from various countries.
The Hakone Ekiden stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to excellence in sports. The relay marathon, with its deep-rooted history, fierce competition, and cultural resonance, sets itself apart from other famous races worldwide. While the Boston Marathon and other iconic races capture the spirit of individual achievement, the Hakone Ekiden weaves a narrative of teamwork, tradition, and the indomitable spirit of the Japanese people. As the runners navigate the challenging course each year, they not only compete for victory but also contribute to the enduring legacy of the Hakone Ekiden in the tapestry of global athletic events.
