Ekiden is long-distance relay running, typically held on roads. The term Ekiden originated in Japan, where such long-distance relay events are popular.

The lengths of races can vary greatly, as can the number of runners on a team. The total race distances may cover hundreds of kilometers. Runners carry a cloth sash that they pass to the next runner.

The world's longest relay race is Japan's Prince Takamatsu Cup Nishinippon Round-Kyūshū Ekiden, which covers 1,064 kilometers (661 miles), leaving from Nagasaki. There was a World Road Relay Championships held every two years from 1992 until 1998, involving teams of six to covering a total marathon distance.

long-distance running racelong-distance running race