Year 7 and 8 Students Embrace the Spirit of the Ekiden

This week, our Year 7 and 8 students took on a very special challenge in their PE lessons – the Ekiden. Despite the rain clouds, blustery winds and less-than-June-like weather, our students showed incredible resilience, teamwork and determination, as with a real spring in their step they discovered the joy of this unique and inclusive relay race.

Originating in Japan, the Ekiden celebrates the power of teamwork, with each runner completing their part of the journey before passing a sash to a teammate. The emphasis is not on individual success, but on collective effort, encouragement and the shared achievement of reaching the finish line together.

It was particularly meaningful for Charters to take part in this event, as the UK Ekiden was pioneered by our alumna, Anna Dingley - who visited our school last week - whose passion for bringing this wonderful tradition to Britain has inspired thousands of runners. The timing could not have been more fitting, as our final Ekiden race at Charters took place today, the very same day that runners gathered in Windsor for this year’s UK Ekiden event. The 2026 race sees university, community and corporate teams take on the Thames Path route, carrying the traditional tasuki sash between teammates, embodying the very same spirit our students experienced on the school field this week.

We are incredibly proud of every student who embraced the challenge, encouraged their teammates and proved that, whatever the weather, the spirit of the Ekiden shines through.

Well done to all involved, and a special thank you to Mr Cumner for organising these fantastic races!