Atlanta Ekiden Relay

Atlanta’s edition of the ekiden is a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. When Atlanta was awarded the Games in 1990, the Tokyo Broadcasting Corporation approached the ATC about putting on an ekiden event. Although TBS eventually was forced to withdraw from the project due to the faltering Japanese economy, the event itself was a success and remains a highlight of the Atlanta running calendar.

The Atlanta event has been designed around a single exchange point in Piedmont Park. Teams consist of from four to six members, each of whom runs one or more 3.2-mile legs to complete the 19 mile relay (31K).

The event is limited to a to a total of 150 teams with specially designed mugs awarded to the top teams in each of 14 divisions. (For every four teams within a division, mugs will be awarded to each team member of the top placing team in that division. For example, if there are 20 teams entered in the Men’s Open Division, awards will be given to the top five teams). Awards will also be given for Best Team Name (most imaginative–keep in mind, this is a family event), and Best Team T-shirt. Distinctively designed, high quality T-shirts will be awarded to all participants.