Ekiden du Stade Français Paris 2026

The Ekiden du Stade Français Paris is a six-runner marathon relay held at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris's 16th arrondissement. The start, handovers, and finish are all at the stadium. This format originates from Japan: a team covers the marathon distance of 42.195 km in legs of 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km. The race begins at 9:00 AM, with each runner assigned a manageable distance instead of one person running the entire marathon. The event is linked to Stade Français Paris and its Pink Army identity, resembling a club relay day more than a typical road race. Clubs, students, companies, families, beginners, and regular runners can all participate in the team format, with company entries alongside public places. The Paris ekiden setup carries the national FFA label and can qualify for the French championship, offering a competitive target for faster teams while still welcoming first-timers.