Ekiden
Contributed by Eriko Takenami
Ekiden
originated in Japan in 1917 to commemorate the relocation of the
capital from Tokyo to Kyoto. They held a race from the west, Tokyo,
to the east, Kyoto. The runners ran 508 kilometers, divided into
23 sections. The race was named "Ekiden" after the 53
stages on the Tokaido road.
Runners
carry a "tasuki" for the relay and run with their sleeves
tied up by a cord. Each team consists of 10 people and as a member
of the team, one must run with all his might. Ekiden relies on team
play, so no one can give up.
|
