The ASICS World Ekiden 2022 returned to its third consecutive year, inviting teams of up to six runners to compete virtually from around the globe.
Taking its inspiration from Japanese running culture, the ASICS World Ekiden challenged teams to compete a marathon distance over the course of six legs of varying distances from 5 – 10km.
Teams must pass their digital tasuki – the narrow band of fabric used traditionally in Ekidens – from one leg to the next, working together in the true spirit of Ekiden for the team to succeed.
It was fee for everyone and open to all, the ASICS World Ekiden welcomed participants of all levels and abilities, making it accessible to anyone from anywhere around the world to experience and embrace the competition.
The race returned for 2022 following a hugely successful opening two years for the event which has so far brought together a combined 96,000 runners from around the world. Between them, they’ve covered over 475,000 kilometres, equivalent to almost twelve laps of the earth’s circumference!
What’s more, the participation of legendary former and current athletes has become a staple of the ASICS World Ekiden. Renowned athletes including Yuki Kawauchi, Emma Bates, Beth Potter, and Koen Naert have all been featured as part of teams taking on the challenge of Ekiden in previous years.
The race used the ASICS Runkeeper™ app to help participants form their team, stay connected through training inspiration, and track their race progress via a live online leaderboard to see how they ranked among fellow participants across a range of categories. Runners also shared their Ekiden journeys and be a part of the conversation using the #ASICSWorldEkiden.
