RACE INFO
What is EKIDEN?
Ekiden is a long-distance relay race where each team passes a sash from one runner to the next at the end of each leg. The race traces its origins to the Edo period in Japan, when couriers traveled between Tokyo and Kyoto - a distance of about 290 miles - stopping at relay stations (eki) to hand off messages (den) to the next messenger.
What makes Ekiden race special is the sense of unity it fosters. While distance running is often seen as an individual sport, Ekiden transforms it into a powerful display of teamwork and collective spirit. Wearing the team sash creates a deep connection with your teammates, motivating you to give your best for the greater good of the team.
Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN
Starting at Kapiolani Park, located on eastern end of Waikiki, the 5 km course ascend Diamond Head Road and turn back at the lookout point overlooking the ocean. This course allows participants to fully experience the grandeur of Hawaii's natural beauty.
The appeal of this race lies in its loop course, enabling all runners to support and cheer fellow participants while waiting for their turn. Ekiden participants can be as young as 7 years old, and families are welcome to participate.
Additionally, a fun kids' race, the ‘Oli‘oli Challenge, will be held in the kids' area for children 12 years old and younger.
| EVENT | Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2025 |
| LOCATION | Honolulu, HI |
| ORGANIZER | JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC. |
| Co-ORGANIZER | JTB Corp. |
| SUPPORTED BY | Honolulu Festival Foundation |
| DATE | Sunday, March 9, 2025 |
| TIME | 8:00 AM Start (Kids Race schedule for 10:00 AM) |
| COURSE | Kapiolani Park - Waikiki Aquarium - Diamond Head Road (turnaround) - Kapiolani Park (approx. 5Km per lap x 5 laps) |
[RACE TYPES]
EKIDEN
- 3-5 members per team: Five (5) laps of approx. 5 km (3.1 miles) each. After each lap, runners will hand over their team sash to the next runner. (For 3~4 member teams, participants must run multiple laps to have a total of 5 laps).
- Limited to first 200 teams (max 1,000 runners).
- Must be 7 years of age or older on the day of the event (those under 18 years of age must have parental consent).
5K Fun Run & Walk
- Individual participation. Limited to first 100 entry.
- One (1) lap of approx. 5 km (3.1 miles).
- Must be 7 years of age or older on the day of the event (those under 18 years of age must have parental consent).
- No timed/ranking awards.
- This category is for participants to enjoy running/walking one lap on race day with the other EKIDEN runners. It is not a single entry to be mixed in with the EKIDEN race.
ʻOLIʻOLI Kid’s Challenge
- Individual (child) participation. Limited to first 50 entry. Approx. 1.6 km (1 mile)
- Must be 6 to 12 years old on the day of the event (parent consent required)
- Accompaniment (running alongside) by adult family members is permitted.
- No timed/ranking awards.
- This category will incorporate part of the EKIDEN course and branch off into its own obstacle course.