Ekidens are traditionally shorter than most relay runs, totaling only 43 km.
Runners pass off a Japanese-style sash at the exchange area.
The original Ekiden was staged as an all-women's event in Yokohama, Japan. The Banff Centre Mountain Ekiden Run includes up to 75 5-person teams and is a fund raiser for the Centre's artist scholarship fund. Contact Laurie Harvey at 762-6153 for registration details. This year's festival takes place October 13 to 16 in Calgary and moves to Banff October 16 and 17. Banff's featured authors include Evelyn Lau, Michael Turner, Peter Oliva and Richard Ford and many more.