By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – The Honolulu Ekiden Foundation invites you to “Ho’ohui Pa’ani” (be “united in play”). Last year, the Foundation brought over 900 runners of all ages together for a marathon relay race and music festival, and once again welcomes runners to register for its 2014 event on June 1. Participants are encouraged to register in two-to six-member teams before April 30 for a reduced entry fee. The registration fee includes participation in the Ekiden race and admission to the nighttime music festival at Waikiki’s Sunset on the Beach. Immediately after the Ekiden, from approximately 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, everyone is encouraged to unwind, relax, and re-charge as we will continue to “Ho’ohui Pa’ani” with a local style food and entertainment festival. Various vendors will be selling their tasty food and drinks and Hawaiian and Japanese entertainment will be performed at the Waikiki bandstand (adjacent to the Ekiden finish line), e.g., hula, music, ukulele, taiko, etc.
The Honolulu Ekiden and Music has the distinction of bringing Japan’s Ekiden tradition to Hawaii, and is the first and only marathon-length relay race and music festival event on the island. The 2014 event aims to promote tourism to the Islands, foster cultural understanding between residents of Hawaii and Japan, and provides a way for friends, co-workers, running and military groups to team together for a race that promotes teamwork, competition, and fun.
“Ekiden races are very popular in Japan, where they bring people together for friendly competition, so our goal is to bring some of that goodwill 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 coworkers.”
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 and then handing off a sash to be worn by the next racer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in 13 different divisions, including senior, student, corporate, family, military, and kamaaina.
As with Ekiden races in Japan, local cheerleading squads will cheer runners on at the stations, adding to the pageantry of uniqueness of the event.
“Running a relay marathon with my co-workers was a blast! More fun than any of us expected,” said Susan Eichor, president of aio, who had two, six-person teams entered last year. “Our company teams were a mix of experienced and novice runners and a good time was had by all!”
The Ekiden race will be followed by a must-see Sunset on the Beach concert featuring Hawaii band EMKE sharing the stage with three prominent Japanese performers: Kimaguren, Scandal and Monkey Majik.
In ancient Japan, the Ekiden was a method to pass along important news from provinces to the capitol with multiple messengers completing different segments of the journey. Today, the event symbolizes cooperation and members of a team working together to achieve a common goal, with races held throughout Japan.
Race details:
Race Format:
The 26.2-mile course is divided into six sections. Relay teams can consist of two to six participants. The race will begin with the first member of the team at the start line wearing the team sash. There will be three relay stations to delineate each section of the race, where team members must transfer the sash to the person who will complete the next section. For teams with fewer than six members, each member may complete more than one section. However, multiple sections must be completed consecutively by the same person (Ex. Runner #1 can complete sections 1 and 2, but not 1 and 3). Every sash contains an electronic chip that will register at each relay station. Teams must complete sections 1, 2, and 3 within three hours, thereafter, sections 4, 5, and 6 must each be completed within an hour. Thus, the maximum allowed duration to complete the entire course is six hours.
Ekiden Schedule
- 4 a.m. – Assemble at starting line
- 5:30 a.m. – Race start
“Ho’ohui Pa’ani” (be “united in play”)
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Concert Schedule
- 4 p.m. – Kickoff
- 4:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
- 5:30 PM – Concert begins
For more information or to register, please visit www.hnlekiden.org.
Runners must pick up race day information packets and sashes for team entrants at the 2014 Honolulu Ekiden Expo, held on May 31 at Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel, Leahi Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Late registration ends on May 23.
About Honolulu Ekiden Foundation
The Honolulu Ekiden Foundation was formed on Jan. 3, 2013 to promote the advancement of peace and social welfare among people in the Pacific Rim, including Hawaii and Japan in particular, through amateur sports and cultural activities. The Ekiden and concert will provide recreation, exercise, entertainment, cultural exchange, and an economic boost to the local community.
About Hawaiian Airlines
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Now in its 85th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor markets on the U.S. mainland. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, and Tahiti. New nonstop service between Honolulu and Beijing, China is now available. Hawaiian also provides approximately 160 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands.
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