1^st Sunrun Ekiden (Marathon Team Relay)

1^st SUNRUN EKIDEN (Marathon Team Relay)

December 11, 2005 4:30 a.m. Victoria Plaza, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City

Historical Information on Ekiden Relay:

An Ekiden is a long-distance relay race, where a single runner from each team wears a cloth sash (tasuki) suspended from the shoulder across the chest. The sash is passed from one teammate to the next, like the baton in a regular relay. Eki means "station," while den means "transmit."  The Ekiden relay, and the name itself, has spread from Japan to different parts of the world, including China, Kenya and Tanzania and now in Davao City, Philippines.

The first Ekiden relay was run in 1917, the 50th anniversary of the transfer of Japan's capital from the ancient city of Kyoto to Tokyo. This new type of relay race was named Ekiden by the poet Toki Zemmaro (1885-1980), who was head of the city's newspaper Social Affairs Department at that time.

Your Company employees and officers can be part of a unique, competitive sporting event: a full marathon ( 42.195 kms.) in relay form. All the fun of a marathon and team building with only one-eighth of the pain! What a deal!

Teams of nine (9) runners divide the marathon distance of 42.195 kms.. Each person runs the same 5 kms loop then passes the “tasuki” (cloth sash ) to the next team member until the final runner (company executive) anchors the team to the last 2.195 kms finish. Start, finish and “tasuki” exchange takes place at the Victoria Plaza parking area.

Teams
Teams may be composed of all male, all female, or coed runners duly employed by a legitimate Company. The ninth runner, who must belong to the management level, will anchor the team towards the 2.195 kms. finish. Team members must be certified to be physically fit to join the Ekiden.

Divisions & Registrations

There will be only 1 division ( category ) for all teams. Registration fee of P2,000.00 can be paid to Mr. Fred Mendiola at Emcor, J.P. Laurel Ave.. Last day of registration will be on November 20, 2005. Strictly no registration on race day.

Packet Pick-Up

One packet will be prepared for your entire team.  Therefore, just one representative of your team or the team captain may claim the race packet from the organizer.

What's in Our Team's Race Packet?

Race packets will contain your team's official “tasuki”, nine T-shirts, nine race numbers, 36 safety pins and important instructions. It is imperative that these instructions, along with the maps, are shared with all runners so they know where the race is, where to park, where to station themselves along the “tasuki” exchange chute, and where to run. Of course, don't forget to bring your team packet, including relay “tasuki” and race numbers to the race.

EKIDEN Marathon Awards

A perpetual SUNRUN CUP + Medals + Cash awards await the first place team winner while second and third place team winners will get MEDALS + Cash. To retain the cup permanently, a team must win in three (3) consecutive years. Otherwise, an honor plaque will be given to the previous year’s winner in lieu of the cup in an appropriate turnover ceremony.

Medals will be awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd best lap time.

Race results will be posted near the finish area.

Team Uniform Competition

Show your creative talent and wear the most original, most humorous, most artistic, and most colorful outfit. Cash prize will also be awarded to the “Best in Uniform” team. This is an optional competition.

Lining Up At The Start

All first lap runners (yellow numbers) must be at the Start line at 4:15 a.m. Fast runners should seed themselves at the front with slower runners behind them.

Opening Ceremonies

Opening ceremonies will begin at 4:00 a.m. at the start line. All team members are invited to watch the ceremonies, but only your first runner wearing the yellow number should be at the starting line.

The EKIDEN (Relay Marathon) starts at 4:30 A.M. , after the 42k & 21k race have started.

Fluid Stations

Fluid Stations will be available before the race and along the course. Please drink fluids before you run. Also, drink plenty of water along the course.

Aid Stations

There are 2 aid stations along the course located near the 2.5 km. turning point and at the start / finish area.

Kilometer Markers

Km. 1 through 5 will be marked for all laps. Distance is measured from the start line and from the km. 0 marker in the “tasuki” exchange chute. Km. split times will be called for the first runners only. Here's a helpful hint for other runners of the team: if you want to check your own splits, start your watch when you pass "Km 0 (Zero)." Mark where you see the hanging clock in the chute, not when you get the “tasuki”. Then check your own watch at the km. locations on the course.

“Tasuki” Exchange Area

The ‘tasuki” exchange area can start to look like a typical traffic jam. To help keep this area clear, please allow only your next runner to be in front of the flagging. All other runners and spectators should stay behind the flags and cheer like crazy. Race marshalls will patrol the area to keep crowding to a minimum. If you have to cross the ‘tasuki” exchange area, cross only in a designated crossing area and please yield to oncoming runners.

Digital Clocks

Digital clocks in the ‘tasuki” exchange area and at the finish line display total race time.

Stay in the Runner Traffic Lanes

Please note that normal vehicular traffic will be on the course. Stay in the running lanes as marked with SUNRUN road delineators and signs. For your safety, headphones and Walkman-type radios are strictly forbidden for all relay runners.

The Finish Line

Your ninth runner will be directed into the finish chute to the finish line. After crossing the finish line to thunderous applause, the ninth runner's tag on the white bib will be removed for timing and scoring. The ‘tasuki” is yours to keep as a souvenir!

Note: We only record the total time for each team, not individual splits for each team member.

Runner Refreshments

Complimentary snacks and beverages are available to all runners in the runner refreshment area located near the start / finish area. You are welcome to bring in your own food and refreshments for your team. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES may be brought into the race.

Important Race Rules and Regulations

Knowing and understanding the race rules below will help you, your teammates and your fellow teams get the most from the SUNRUN EKIDEN . We appreciate your adherence to the rules.

Running Numbers

Each team member must wear his/her runner number on the front of his/her shirt, and the number must be clearly visible throughout the entire race while the “tasuki” is suspended from the shoulder across his/her chest. The 9th and final relay runner must wear the white bib with the tear off tag at the bottom. Your final runner will be the only runner to cross the finish line. All other runners will pass the ‘tasuki” exchange area to your team's next runner.

Race Numbers

Race numbers are color-coded for tabulation. Team members must run in the following order:

RACE BIB

It doesn't matter who runs each leg; what's important is that runner wears the right color bib for his/her leg and that the final runner wears the white number with the bottom tag.

No Bicycles, Roller Blades, Baby Joggers, Animals, or Pacing. Wheeled vehicles are not permitted on the course. No dogs, cats, pigs or other animals on the course or in the “tasuki” exchange area. No running on the course with teammates or others before or after your leg.

Disqualification
Runners accompanied by, or accepting support from a vehicle, a non-registered runner, or a runner who is not running his official relay leg may be subject to disqualification. Course marshals and officials will strictly enforce this rule.

Protests
Protests of any action by officials or runners should be reported immediately to a timing team official located at the finish line.

Other Race Activities

Other race-day activities include live music, warm-up exercises, merchandise booths, Health and Fitness Expo, and parlor games.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, December 11, 2005 and we wish you the Best of Luck and Fun!

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