March 18 race in support of 3/11 recovery efforts

The popular “Marunouchi Ekiden” long-distance relay race returns Saturday, March 18 around the outer garden of the Imperial Palace.

The event invites 160 teams of four to enter, for anyone age 20 and over.

The runner will start at Sakurada Gate and run the length around the outer garden of the Imperial Palace (about five kilometers) before passing the baton to their teammate—for a total of four laps per team.

A portion of the registration fee will go toward supporting textile factories in the Tohoku region that were affected by the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami, which have been contracted to provide the towels and bibs for the marathon race.

Date & time: March 18, 2012, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Participants: Up to 160 teams of four

Organizer: Marunouchi Long Distance Relay Race Committee

Participation fee: ¥10,000 per team (includes runner insurance)

Additional details:

• Anyone age 20 and over may participate in the race

• The race will go on rain or shine

• No showers, lockers or changing rooms will be provided

• Registration requires online submission of an entry form submitted

Registration is open to the public from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and concludes 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29 – so hurry and sign up!

Sign-up is limited to 160 teams (if applicants exceed 160 a lottery for official entries will be held).

For additional details and registration form, please refer to the website:

www.tokyo-event.jp/ekiden (in Japanese only)