By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – February 18, 2016: The Honolulu Ekiden Foundation invites you to “Hoʻohui Paʻani” or “be united in play” at the Fourth Annual Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival. Last year, the Foundation brought over 1000 runners of all ages together for a marathon relay race and music festival, and once again welcomes runners to register for its 2016 event on May 22nd.
The Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival culminates in a star-studded concert at the Waikiki Shell, including international superstar group MAGIC!, whose smash hit “Rude” has topped the charts in eight countries. The thrilling lineup also includes the all-girl pop-rock band sensation SCANDAL.
Participants of the relay are encouraged to register in two to six-member teams before May 16. The registration fee includes participation in the Ekiden race and admission to the nighttime music festival at the Waikiki Shell (tickets are first come first serve for the first 2,000 participants).
The Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival is the only of its kind in Hawaii, bringing Japanʻs Ekiden tradition of a marathon-length relay race to the islands. In ancient Japan, the Ekiden was a method to pass along important news from provinces to the capital with multiple messengers completing different segments of the journey. Today the event symbolizes teamwork and cooperation to achieve a common goal, with races held throughout Japan.
It is the goal of the 2016 Ekiden to promote tourism to the Islands, foster cultural understanding between the residents of Hawaii and Japan and provide a way for friends, co-workers, running and military groups together in a race that fosters teamwork, competition and most importantly fun.
“Ekiden races are very popular in Japan, where they bring people together for friendly competition. Our goal is to bring some of that good will to Hawaii and develop a stronger relationship between the people of Hawaii and Japan,” said Honolulu Ekiden Foundation Secretary Jon Nakata. “For many, a full marathon might be too much of a challenge, but now, participants can form a team and complete the race with friends, family or co-workers.”
Event Details
The 26.2 mile race will start and end at Kapiolani Park and will feature six segments, with each member completing one or more legs of the race, then handing off a sash to be worn by the next racer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in fifteen divisions, including youth, high school, university/college, corporate, Heroes, family and kamaʻaina.
As with Ekiden races in Japan, local volunteers will encourage runners at the stations, adding to the fun and excitement of the event.
Immediately following the Ekiden race from approximately 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. everyone is invited to unwind and recharge as we continue to “Hoʻohui Paʻani” with an entertainment festival. An exciting variety of Hawaiian and Japanese entertainment will take place at the Kapiolani Bandstand, adjacent to the Ekiden finish line. The awards ceremony will start approximately at 10:30 a.m.
The festivities at the Waikiki Shell kick off 4:45 p.m. with a welcome. The concert begins at 5:45 p.m. with a special local guest artist to be announced, followed by the performances of SCANDAL and MAGIC! For more information visit www.hnlekiden.org or to purchase tickets for the concert only, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Race Details
Team Entry Fees Until 5/16 5/17 – 5/21
2-person team $120 $140
3-person team $180 $210
4-person team $240 $280
5-person team $285 $335
6-person team $300 $360