School Ekiden: Distance Relay with a Sash

Inspired by the Japanese ekiden, each team of five covers a long distance as a relay, passing a sash worn across the body instead of a baton. Students work on aerobic endurance, pacing their effort, and commitment to the team.

How to play

1. Mark a 300 m loop with cones and a 10 m exchange zone. Make 5 balanced teams with one sash each (3 minutes).
2. Explain the legs: runner 1 runs one lap, runner 2 two laps, runner 3 one, runner 4 two, and runner 5 one. Each team takes 2 minutes to decide who runs each leg.
3. Practice the exchange: the incoming runner takes off the sash and puts it on the next runner in the zone, stopping no more than 3 seconds (2 minutes).
4. All first runners start together. Waiting runners cheer from inside the loop and finished runners walk an easy lap (about 14 minutes of racing).
5. The teacher records each team's finish time and compares it with the prediction the team made before starting.
6. Two-minute wrap-up: each team discusses whether it matched legs well to each runner's strengths.

Rules

• The sash is always worn from shoulder to hip, never carried in the hand.
• Exchanges only count inside the exchange zone.
• Pass on the left without pushing.
• Anyone who feels unwell walks and tells the teacher; the team may finish that leg with another runner.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: run or roll a shorter leg marked with cones inside the loop that counts the same.
• Autism or shyness: assign the first leg to avoid waiting and walk through the exchange beforehand.
• Lower fitness: always choose a one-lap leg and allow run-walk intervals.

Learning goals

• Keep a steady running pace suited to the distance.
• Assign team legs based on each member's abilities.
• Cheer on and support teammates during an endurance event.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sashes (ribbons): 5
• cones: 16
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

Remind students not to sprint the first leg, which is the most common mistake. Keep the exchange zone near you so you can watch the handoffs and water breaks.

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