Monterey Ekiden

The Monterey Ekiden is a long-distance relay race in the Japanese ekiden tradition, where teams of four runners pass a traditional sash (tasuki) from one teammate to the next. The format emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and collective effort. The race is run on 2.1-mile laps at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and begins at 5:00 PM under twilight. The day includes a Cultural Faire & Fitness Expo (2:00-5:00 PM), a live taiko drum performance, and a post-race celebration with Japanese street food, a beer garden, and a sunset dance party. Sponsored by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Wasshoi Foundation, and WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca.