INFORMATION

Runners take your mark!

(Banff) Lace up your running shoes, and grab your sash! The Banff Centre celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the "Banff Mountain Ekiden Run" a Japanese-style relay race on October 16, 1999.

The race derives its history from early Japanese couriers who ran from post station to post station, delivering messages. The modern-day relay encompasses five legs that range in length from five to 12.8 kilometers for a total race distance of 43 kilometers or 26.2 miles. Runners carry a sash, representative of the early-day message, which they pass to their teammates.

The Banff Centre began the Ekiden run ten years ago as a unique community-based fundraiser that paid homage to the strong influence of the Japanese tourism community. Banff Centre director of Development Tom Berekoff says the race has grown to be one of the Centre’s most popular fund raising events. "Most relays are point to point, but the Ekiden starts and finishes at The Banff Centre which means friends, family, and race supporters can easily gather and cheer on the runners." The event concludes with a hearty post-race meal, which is free to participants and $6.00 for supporters.

The cost of the race is $175.00 per team and includes t-shirts, door prizes, and the post-race meal.

The Banff Mountain Ekiden Run raises approximately $25,000 for artists’ scholarships and programs at The Banff Centre.

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