© Ville de Nantes
Ekiden de Nantes : a vibrant first edition
The city of Nantes has long been a magnet for running enthusiasts. Between its marathon and the many other sporting events it hosts, the City of the Dukes continues to add new races that attract an ever-growing community of runners. On October 5, a new event joined this already packed calendar: the very first edition of the Ekiden de Nantes, a marathon run in relay format.
The first Ekiden de Nantes was a resounding success. Festive, inclusive, and accessible, the event was open to everyone — not just elite athletes. Organized by the leading club Nantes Métropole Athlétisme, the race featured a route weaving through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the banks of the Loire River, the university track at the Pierre Quinon Stadium, and the Nantes racecourse, among others. Along the way, runners passed several sporting venues on a course that kept them constantly engaged. The event also serves to support the local club and its athletes, who benefit directly from the economic impact. The goal for 2026 is to have the course officially certified by the French Athletics Federation, allowing performances to be formally recognized.
The organizers also introduced the Corporate Challenge, designed for company teams. Whether running with friends, colleagues, family, or club teammates, anyone can take part in the Ekiden. The marathon distance of 42.195 km is split among six relay runners, who each cover, in order: 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km. This variety of legs allows runners of all levels — from beginners to seasoned athletes — to enjoy a friendly, team-oriented event and contribute to the collective performance. Mixed-ability teams are encouraged, making the experience both inclusive and rewarding.
| The fastest team finished in 2h17’45
In Nantes, running enthusiasts thoroughly enjoyed a day dedicated to teamwork and shared effort. Thanks to the help of 80 volunteers, the event ran smoothly. A total of 700 runners, forming nearly 115 teams, took part in the inaugural edition. The winning team completed the marathon relay in 2:17:45. The golden lineup consisted of Florian Gaborit, Hugo Bredin, Marius Loirat, Brice Denis, Tom Gobin, and Maelick Marbœuf-Guibert.
Each team received a unique medal design. Every participant was given a magnetized piece symbolizing teamwork and the contribution of each relay runner. When combined, the six medals form a large emblem depicting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Grand Elephant, and Anne of Brittany — a beautiful keepsake from a day celebrating unity and the spirit of collaboration.
| The Ekiden, a legendary Japanese race format
Who said running was an individual sport? The Ekiden, born in Japan in 1917, is a celebration of teamwork, solidarity, and endurance. In Japanese, “eki” means station or stage, and “den” means to transmit. Originally, the event was a relay race between Tokyo and Kyoto, created to mark the 50th anniversary of Tokyo as Japan’s capital. The three-day race covered more than 500 kilometers along some of Japan’s most famous and historic roads. Runners would pass a traditional sash called a tasuki — worn diagonally across the body — as they exchanged turns at old postal relay stations. It was a tribute to the couriers of the Edo period (1603–1868), who once carried messages between cities.
The race was such a success that many other Ekiden events followed, including the legendary Tokyo–Hakone Ekiden, spanning roughly 100 kilometers. This out-and-back relay, held every year in early January, has become a true national tradition — one of Japan’s most-watched sporting events.
In Japan, neither the distances nor team compositions are strictly standardized, unlike in Europe, where the Ekiden format always mirrors the marathon distance, divided into six segments.
For its first edition, the Ekiden de Nantes brought together nearly 700 runners. Organized by the local club Nantes Métropole Athlétisme, the event welcomed participants of all levels who came to cover the marathon distance with friends, colleagues, or family. The City of the Dukes offered a memorable, friendly day of sport filled with good cheer and a strong sense of teamwork.
✔ Find all the event results here
Emma BERT
Journaliste
