Ekiden – a race which originated in Japan and invites teams of runners competing in a relay over long distances – has long been on the minds of Chris Carter and Ian Howden, both working at SEKISUI Diagnostics in Kent. When they found out that there is an Ekiden race organised in the UK, they knew what to do: Taking part, wearing a SEKISUI running shirt. The two running obsessed colleagues shared their story with us.
The idea:
“When we read about the Ekiden race in Ipswich, only a few hours away from our Kent site, we were determined to join with a SEKISUI team”, say Chris Carter and Ian Howden. Besides their working site, both colleagues share their passion for running and had often heard about Japan’s famous long distance relay race before. In Ekiden, the runs are all about intense competition and team effort – individual runners take on a different leg contributing to the team result. Every team consist of six runners that must cover the distance of a marathon, 42.195km, as a relay. The different legs for the runners are as followed: 1 x 7.2km, 3 x 5km and 2 x 10km
The SEKISUI Diagnostics team comprised of Chris Carter (7.2km), Max Lehane (5km), Andrew Ovenden (10km), Brad Retigan (5km), Emma Chamberlain (10km) and Ian Howden (5km). Together with some family and friends as supporters they travelled to Ipswich, combining team effort with fun and sports spirit.
The Ekiden team, before and after the race (from the left): Emma Chamberlain, Brad Retigan, Chris Carter, Ian Howden, Max Lehane, Andrew Ovenden.
The Ekiden team, before and after the race (from the left): Emma Chamberlain, Brad Retigan, Chris Carter, Ian Howden, Max Lehane, Andrew Ovenden.
Let the race begin…
Before the race actually began, Chris “Captain” Carter gave a motivational speech and reminded the team of the SEKISUI Diagnostics message: Because every result matters. Chris then started the relay, pacing his effort well and handing over to Max, who was undeterred by the snaking track and flew successfully across the finish line. Next one was Andy, the first of the long-distance duo and eager to set a personal best time. With 10 km in less than 50 minutes he managed to do so and happily gave over to Brad. The rugby player followed the approach “I will do what I can” and went for a run-run strategy which paid off. With another personal best time he handed over to Emma, a passionate runner with impressive race results in recent years. Working hard for the team on the 10 km distance she was running another personal best time and gave over to the last runner: Ian finished the team work by a well-paced effort just under 20 minutes.
The team of six did very well: Combing sports spirit, team effort and fun.
The team of six did very well: Combing sports spirit, team effort and fun.
The team of six did very well: Combing sports spirit, team effort and fun.
The team of six did very well: Combing sports spirit, team effort and fun.
See you next year?
The whole team enjoyed the Ekiden very much. Each team member had a great run and would love to repeat the experience again next year. Maybe some other European SEKISUI colleagues would like to join them on the start line?
Other interesting articles on our colleagues from SEKISUI Diagnostics UK:
https://newsroom.sekisui.eu/clare-chaffey-kaizen/
https://newsroom.sekisui.eu/environment-week-uk/
https://newsroom.sekisui.eu/william-stockburn/
