Monterey Ekiden
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Monterey Ekiden
The Monterey Ekiden is a relay race held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Teams consist of four runners who pass a traditional sash called a tasuki between legs. Each team member completes one lap of the raceway, a 2.2 mile circuit, before handing off to the next runner.
The event takes place at twilight and combines racing with a cultural program. The schedule includes a Cultural Faire and Fitness Expo, a taiko drum performance, and a post-race celebration featuring Japanese street food, a beer garden, and a sunset dance party with DJ entertainment. All participants receive a commemorative tenugui.
The race format encourages groups from schools, workplaces, clubs, and community organizations to form teams and issue friendly challenges to other teams. Team entry is organized through a relay captain, who pays the team fee and invites three other members; invited relay members may register under that captain’s entry.
Proceeds from the Monterey Ekiden support Japanese cultural exchange for local students. Funds benefit the Wasshoi Foundation and the Monterey High School Cross Country Exchange Boosters, organizations that assist student travel and educational exchange related to Japanese language and culture.
The course uses the paved laps of Laguna Seca Raceway and emphasizes team-based relay running using the ekiden tradition of passing the tasuki at each exchange. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
