Ekiden 79 2026

Ekiden 79 is a road relay race held in Niort, located in the Deux-Sevres department of western France. Its next edition is scheduled for late October. The race follows the ekiden format, where teams of runners share the total distance, rather than each runner completing the entire course individually. Participants can choose between two options: a 20 km Semi-Ekiden for teams preferring a shorter distance, and a full marathon-distance Ekiden covering 42.195 km. Both races feature a single-loop course that crosses the center of Niort. The primary appeal lies in the team dynamic: runners divide the distance, transferring the effort sequentially to teammates, while still completing a standard road race distance. While detailed information is limited, the event appears to be a city relay focused on shared pacing, team composition, and the option of a half-distance or full marathon relay.