Singapore will see its first full-fledged Ekiden relay race, the Mizuno Ekiden 2015 on Saturday, 18 July 2015  at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay at 7:00 a.m. This inaugural event will be the first of its kind in Singapore and targets at least 5,000 participants. The event will feature teams of four runners competing in a relay race over the same race course over a full marathon or half marathon distance before finishing at a Matsuri race village.

Race Concept

Striving to deliver an experience that will focus on Japanese values such as teamwork, performance and perseverance, the Mizuno Ekiden 2015 will showcase the concept of relay running that has stemmed from Japan and has been incredibly popular since its inception.

In the Japanese language, Ekiden is a term referring to a long-distance relay running race. Although the concept is not new in Singapore, it will be the first time a race in Singapore features only Ekiden-based categories, namely the Open Category (42.195km), Corporate and Schools Category (21.1km).

The first runner from all categories will start from The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay donning the traditional tasuki sash and race along a scenic route, passing landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Marina Barrage. Once they have reached the end of their relay leg, they will change over at the transition point by passing on the tasuki sash to the next team mate who will continue the race. This will be repeated right up to the last runner. While waiting for the last team member to race through the finish line, runners are able to enjoy the Japanese cultural activities planned in the Matsuri race village and thereafter proceed to the Finish Line to warmly welcome their team mates.

Incorporating the Japanese cultural element into the overall race experience, runners can expect to be flagged off in grandeur with taiko drummers, an ancient Japanese form of percussion. On top of competing in the relay race, runners will be welcomed to a Matsuri race village, also known as a Japanese-themed race village after crossing the finishing line. Matsuri, commonly known in Japan as a festival or holiday, is widely celebrated and Mizuno Ekiden 2015 plans to bring just that to all participants.

In the Matsuri race village, runners can anticipate Japanese gourmet such as ramen and sushi, artisan desserts and delectable drinks, amongst others. Coupled with Japanese cultural performances and activities for all, Mizuno Ekiden 2015 aims to provide an all round Japanese experience for both the leisure and serious runners.

Racing in teams of four, the participants will be entitled to compete in their respective categories for a prize purse of S$1,600 and S$600 worth of Mizuno products*, along with the honour and prestige that comes with winning the inaugural Mizuno Ekiden 2015 Race. Running in an Ekiden race allows participants to experience the importance of a team working in sync with one another, encouraging each other to carry on when the going gets tough.

*Only Singaporeans and Singaporean PRs are eligible for the prizes in the Open Category.

Event Fees and Categories

• The Men/Women (42.195km) Open category will be S$260 for normal rates and S$200 for early bird rates.
• The Corporate – Men/Women (21.1km) category will be S$240 for normal rates and S$180 for early bird rates.
• The Schools – Boys/Girls (21.1km) category will be S$200 for normal rates and S$140 for early bird rates.

The early bird rates start from 24 March 2015 – 30 April 2015. The minimum age of participation is 16 years old and above as of 31 December 2015 and the fees are for a team of four participants.

For more information and to register, you can visit the official site.