The Japan Society at the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden

On Friday, 12 June 2026, The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden returned for its third year, bringing together university athletes, corporate teams, and community organizations for a historic 112km relay race between Windsor and Reading. This year, The Japan Society was honoured to have two of its Trustees, Darren Goff and Clare Weaver, representing the Society as part of the State Visit Legacy Team.

The Hakone Ekiden is a prestigious Japanese long-distance relay format with roots dating back centuries. It is defined not just by speed, but by teamwork and the passing of the tasuki (relay sash), which symbolises trust and the collective effort of the team.

The State Visit Legacy Team was established following the 2024 State Visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the United Kingdom. The team serves as a living symbol of the "people-to-people" connections fostered during that historic visit. This year’s squad brought together runners from the Japanese Embassy, the UK Government, the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, and The Japan Society. The route itself holds special significance, as it follows the landscape that inspired His Majesty during his time at Oxford as he wrote in his book, The Thames and I.

Darren Goff had the honour of running the first leg of the race from Windsor. Reflecting on the event, Darren described it as a "fantastic celebration of UK-Japan relations". Clare Weaver participated in her inaugural Ekiden, running a challenging section of the Thames Path in her hometown. Both runners emphasised the spirit of friendship and the unique challenge of the course.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Darren and Clare for their dedication and for representing The Japan Society so brilliantly on the course.

A special thank you goes to The Japan Society's Trustee and member Anna Dingley for her instrumental role in organising and leading this initiative. We also express our gratitude to The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden organisers and the Embassy of Japan for their coordination and for making this wonderful celebration of teamwork and cultural exchange possible.