Namban Rengo’s friendly neighborhood Ekiden

Namban Rengo fielded five teams at this year’s Shibuya Ekiden that was held in our beloved Yoyogi Park on a very cold morning on Sunday, January 16th. The Shibuya Ekiden often gives new Namban Rengo members their first taste of a Japanese ekiden (team relay), and it also marks the start of the busy winter running season for many team regulars. Even though it is short ekiden by local standards with four 2.8km legs, the competition was hot as usual on a tight course that winds its way around one section of Yoyogi Park. And the convenience of the race, located in the park and across from Oda Field is another big draw card.