ASICS Brings Japan’s Iconic Ekiden Long-Distance Relay Race to India
April 5: In the Ekiden relay format, the participating teams will collectively cover 10 kilometres, passing the traditional Tasuki (a shoulder sash) instead of a baton.
New Delhi, India – Bringing the spirit of Japan’s legendary Ekiden relay to India, global Japanese sportswear brand ASICS is going to host ASICS Ekiden India 2026 in partnership with Sony and supported by the Embassy of Japan in India. Rooted in centuries-old traditions of teamwork, discipline and shared purpose, the initiative reflects a deeper cultural exchange between Japan and India.
With Ekiden, a long-distance relay race scheduled for 5th April 2026 at DLF CyberHub, Gurugram, ASICS Ekiden India will feature teams of four runners, comprising Indian and Japanese runners.
ASICS aims to translate the philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ into a running movement that celebrates endurance, connection and everyday wellbeing.
The event will bring together major Japanese conglomerates, including POCARI SWEAT, Pigeon and Fujifilm as partners. Aligned with ASICS’ vision of community-driven initiatives, the partnership will help strengthen the event’s ambition to create a premium, immersive, and culturally rich experience for participants and spectators alike. The teams will collectively cover 10 kilometres, passing the traditional Tasuki (a shoulder sash) instead of a baton to symbolise trust, continuity and purpose.
Through this unique relay format, ASICS continues to strengthen India’s running ecosystem through novel initiatives and celebrates its deep-rooted Japanese heritage. Powering the event through colourways inspired by sprouts emerging and light turning green. Designed to motivate runners to keep moving forward, the range features a distinctive glitter spray effect that symbolises athletes striving to reach their full potential.
Combining Japanese design sensibilities with high-performance engineering, the Ekiden Pack brings together style, storytelling and technical excellence for India’s rapidly growing running community. Available across select ASICS stores and online, the collection extends the Ekiden experience beyond race day.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “Over the past few years, India has witnessed an unprecedented rise in recreational running with running communities and fitness-led lifestyles growing rapidly across metros and emerging cities. Events like the Mumbai and Delhi Marathons now attract tens of thousands of runners each year, reflecting how deeply running has become embedded in urban culture. Indian consumers today are increasingly exposed to global culture and trends, and there is a growing appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship, whether in sports, design, or everyday life.
Ekiden sits at the intersection of these two movements. By bringing this iconic relay format to India, we are creating a platform that celebrates teamwork, cultural exchange and holistic wellbeing, staying true to our philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’.”
ASICS Ekiden India 2026 will feature a diverse mix of runners, including Indian and Japanese participants in each team, reinforcing cross-cultural collaboration. Enhancing the event experience will include other brand partners such as Pilot and Yakult. Together, the partner ecosystem will help deliver a holistic sporting celebration that blends performance, recovery, hydration and lifestyle support. Registrations for ASICS Ekiden India 2026 are now open.
