The Ekiden is a team marathon: six runners share the 42.195 km, in the tradition of Japanese relays. The format is popular: less demanding individually, more festive, perfect for company teams, running clubs or friends who train together.
Where the Ekiden comes from
The ekiden was born in Japan in the early 20th century. Its roots lie in the old imperial courier service, where runners relayed messages over long distances along the Tokaido road, with relay stations placed along the route. In the race, each runner covers the distance from one station to the next and hands the tasuki to the next runner. The first official ekiden was held in 1917 between Kyoto and Tokyo.
The Marseille Ekiden 2026: programme
The Marseille Ekiden takes place on Sunday 15 November 2026 at Parc Borély, with a 9am start. The awards ceremony is planned for 1pm.
- Saturday 14 November: Ekiden des pitchouns from 10am to 1pm. The exhibitors' village opens at Parc Borély from 10am to 6pm, with grouped team bib collection from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
- Sunday 15 November: Ekiden start at 9am, orchestra on the seafront, live music, refreshment bar and exhibitors' village, awards at 1pm.
The relay is run by six, in legs of unequal length: three runners cover 5 km, two cover 10 km and the last one 7.195 km. Each team builds its strategy around the strengths of its runners.
The course and the baton exchange
The course is based on a single 5 km loop, which runners complete once or twice depending on their leg. The relay zone is at the same place as the start and finish lines. Runner no. 6 adds a short 2.195 km loop: at the end of the main loop, volunteers hand them a flower necklace to direct them onto that final loop.
- The baton: each team has a bib belt that every runner passes on to the next, all the way to the final finish.
- The relay zone: handovers are made only in this zone, marked on the ground, in the centre of Parc Borély just after the start arch. It is split into boxes by bib number, so it is worth locating yours on the map.
- On site: a screen and a speaker announce the team numbers arriving at the relay. Staying in the zone is not allowed, so as not to hinder other runners.
- Running order: it follows the bibs, from 1 to 6, and can be changed up to 3 days before the race through the registration link.
To collect a team's bibs you need photo ID, and all bibs are handed over at once if the file is complete for every runner. Missing documents (PPS, parental authorisation, licence) must be provided at collection. To collect another team's bibs, bring a copy of the ID of one of its members.
The race takes place by the sea, in the Prado district. The previous edition was held on Sunday 16 November 2025.
Why the Ekiden is worth running (or watching)
This is not a classic marathon, the challenge is not individual. It is a team race with a real strategic side: who starts, who finishes, how to place the fast runners? The format is open to everyone, beginners and experienced runners alike, in a festive and motivating atmosphere.
For spectators, it is a warm day at Parc Borély, with the orchestra on the seafront and the exhibitors' village.
After the race: what to do around Marseille
Once you have crossed the line, the region offers plenty to extend the day:
- Aix-en-Provence: stroll through the lanes of the historic centre and taste calissons, the local speciality.
- The Calanques: hiking in the national park and a swim in clear water.
- Montagne Sainte-Victoire: a climb and a panoramic view over Provence.
- The Old Port of Marseille: bouillabaisse in a traditional restaurant.
If you would like to organise one of these outings with a driver, see our private tours in Provence: I take you there and you choose the pace.
Getting there and back
According to the organisers' practical information, three accesses are offered to reach the start:
- Avenue du Prado: by car, park in the service lanes before the Rond-Point du David. By bus, lines 19 or 83, Parc Borély stop.
- Corniche: by car, car parks along the Plage du Prado. By bus, line 83, Plage du Prado stop.
- Avenue Clot Bey: by car, Stade Jean Bouin car park or the park car park. By bus, line 44.
Avenue Pierre Mendès France and Avenue de Bonneveine are closed to traffic on Sunday from 7am to 3pm, and parking is banned there from Saturday 10pm to Sunday 3pm. Up-to-date information is on the official Ekiden website.
For runners and their supporters, a taxi avoids the search for parking: I drop you as close as possible to the most convenient access and come back to pick you up after the finish. If the place is hard to reach because of the closures, I will give you an easily accessible meeting point. A van taxi is available for teams.
It is advisable to book at least 24 hours ahead, but even at the last minute I adapt and find a solution. To estimate your trip from your starting point, use our private transport page.
