“Ekiden” originates from the Japanese phrase “relaying station”, wherein “Eki” means “station”, while “den” translates “to communicate” or “to convey”.
In Japan, the long-distance relay race is widely celebrated and cherished throughout the country. It features several teams composed of multiple runners wherein a sash or a “tasuki” is handed from one runner to the next until they all complete the race. This is usually participated in by varsity athletes from prominent universities in Tokyo, Hakone and other prefectures.
This valued tradition of racing in the Land of the Rising Sun began in 1917, which was inspired by the couriers of the Edo period (1603 to 1868), who would run to deliver messages between Tokyo and Kyoto. Today, it not only brings that sense of heritage and cultural significance, but also the value of camaraderie, teamwork and perseverance for its participants.
Recently, Filipinos were able to experience this unique race for the very first time during The Mizuno “Ekiden” Run held at the vast Vermosa Sports Hub complex in Imus, Cavite.
“I wanted to bring the concept of ‘Ekiden’ here in the country as it brings a unique experience for our local participants,” said Xavier Media, president of SportySole, Inc., now Mizuno’s local distributor.
“I was able to personally experience this myself before and back then, it promoted that sense of health and happiness. Also, it was very festive. In turn, I want to share this experience with everyone who participated here today,” he added.
During the event, wherein over 500 runners attended, participating teams of the Ekiden Run, composed of four members running five kilometers each completed the particular long-distance relay totaling 20 kilometers.
Right after the pandemic in 2023, SportySole, Inc. took over the local operations of Mizuno, a globally-renowned Japanese sports equipment and sportswear brand.
Other than running, Mizuno also caters to volleyball, badminton, futsal, golf and many others.
“In a way, this is again slowly reintroducing the brand to the local market,” Medina continued.
According to him, his company is taking on a different approach of reintroducing the brand to the local market instead of the traditional retail stores in malls and other business complexes.
“We’re doing events and doing direct-selling to varsity players, coaches, schools and corporate teams,” he reiterated.
“Through this, we get to have a deeper understanding of the market and be able to provide the proper needs.”
To cap off, ‘Ekiden’, which originally derives from “conveying a message” is the spot-on themed event for reintroducing the brand Mizuno to Filipinos as it clearly sends forth a message that they’re back and again ready to rock–or rather “run” the local market.
