US Marines Compete in Traditional Japanese Sport

[wackychick]

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (March 7, 2008) -- Ekiden, or long distance relay, is a traditional Japanese winter sporting event dating back to 1917. The first race was between Tokyo and Kyoto to celebrate the move of Japan’s capitol city to its current location.

Now Ekidens are held throughout Japan and other countries around the world, and even here aboard the air station. This year the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force invited U.S. service members to join it in healthy competition here Feb. 29.

The seven Japanese teams and one U.S. team were each made up of 17 competitors. Service members from units aboard the air station made up the American group. Each team’s final runner was its squadron’s respective commanding officer.

Capt. Satoru Shoji, JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31 chief of staff for Iwakuni, said he was glad for the opportunity to share their tradition.

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