Anna Dingley and Matt Seddon

UK Eiden, Inspired by Japan’s world-famous Hakone Ekiden, brings long-distance team relay racing to UK roads, blending university athletics, corporate participation, and cultural exchange.

In this episode, host Michelle catches up with Anna Dingley (UK Ekiden founder) and Matt Seddon (Athletics Director & Oxford University Cross Country Head Coach) after this year’s event, which saw university and corporate teams racing along the Thames — with plenty of action, community spirit, and lessons learned!

You’ll hear about:

• The roots of Ekiden and why it’s so popular in Japan 🇯🇵
• How UK Ekiden is inspiring UK university and club runners
• Standout moments (and challenges) from this year’s race
• The importance of team spirit in endurance running
• Why Oxford got disqualified this year!
• Growing UK–Japan cultural links through running
• The vision for making UK Ekiden a fixture in the UK calendar

Instagram: @ukekiden
Website: ukekiden.com

Photo Credit: Phil Hill