Ekiden 79 - 18ème édition

The 18th edition of Ekiden 79, set to take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, promises an exhilarating journey through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Niort Saint Liguaire. This year’s event will feature three distinct races: a marathon relay for teams of six runners, a semi-marathon relay with three participants, and a Nordic walking challenge covering 13.5 kilometers.
The marathon relay is a thrilling spectacle where each team member runs one segment on the 42.195-kilometer course. The route consists of five 5-kilometer sections followed by two 7.195-kilometer stretches, all completed over multiple laps of a 2.5-kilometer loop. Depending on their position in the relay, runners will complete either two or four loops.
For safety reasons and to ensure smooth transitions between legs, if the fifth runner does not finish within three hours and thirty minutes, the sixth runner’s start is delayed until all previous segments are completed. The overall race time limit for this event is capped at 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The semi-marathon relay challenges teams of three runners over a total distance of 20 kilometers. Participants will navigate through five laps with distances of 5, 10, and 5 kilometers each, all repeated two or four times on the same 2.5-kilometer loop.
For those seeking a more leisurely pace, there is also a Nordic walking event covering 13.5 kilometers. This course features a single loop that is 3.320 kilometers long with an elevation gain of +230 meters, repeated four times to create the total distance.
Race day begins early at Stade Les Gardoux in Niort Saint Liguaire. The marathon relay starts promptly at 9:30 AM, followed by the semi-marathon relay at 10:30 AM and Nordic walking at 10:45 AM. Participants are encouraged to pick up their race numbers on Saturday from 3 PM to 6 PM or early Sunday morning starting at 8 AM.
To ensure a smooth process for number pickup, organizers recommend arriving in the afternoon of October 24th with your team name noted down. For more information and updates, visit https://www.ekiden79.fr.
Ekiden 79 offers an unforgettable experience blending competitive running with scenic routes through Niort Saint Liguaire's charming surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to the sport, this event promises a memorable day filled with camaraderie and challenge in one of France’s most beautiful regions.