Details: This is a 5K-3K-2K-5K ekiden race located at Sagami General Depot, which is a very short drive from the Fussa area. It is well organized with nice water stops, however, I'm told the 3K portion was missing a water stop. The course itself is very flat and nice. Rest rooms were crowded, making it a trying experience. Weather this day was perfect, sunny and warm. Team trophies were very nice, and every participant receives a T-shirt. There were also some strange awards, including salad dressing, veggie juice, and bean soup.

Striders women finished 1st and 3rd. The men over 40 finished 1st' of course they were the only team entered in that category.

In Japan, relay races are very popular because they represent a team effort to achieve a goal, and they rely on everyone to give their personal best for the good of the team.  The Japanese call this type of competition "Ekiden."

Sagami Depot Ekiden