And Then There Was Ekiden

 This past weekend, a cluster of Square State Striders, tempted the gods and held an Ekiden relay before Memorial Day. Local pickleballers were likely befuddled by what could only be described as 'a confused flashmob in a park'. 

What's this all about? Ekiden is a form of distance running relay practiced in Japan, often over several days. Teams run varying lengths against other teams, all hoping to finish first by the final leg of the relay. Contestants pass a beauty pageant style sash to their teammates instead of a relay baton. It remains one of the most popular national events in the entire country of Japan, bringing the whole country to a near stand-still. 

Then there was what we performed. No varying distances. Barely memorized order of relay handoffs. Sash's that might double as a  vintage softball uniform fabric on Etsy. Children playing inside an archery alley. Time keepers holding what can only be described as several burner phones. This might have passed for the Burning Man of Bear Creek Park. 

THE EKIDEN RACE:

The course consisted of 1 single loop of the Bear Creek archery area trail network. A winding hilly dirt humbling 1.3 mile segment. If you think you're cool, go run it. You probably won't feel that way after. 

The opening leg was a duel up front with Robert Stepanov (age 9) battling Logan Wealing to the line handing off in a dead heat. Andrea Fleischmann on team Striders allowed her spouse to watch his children with other adults supervising him during the first leg.

Adam Rich fresh off a race in Denver on Saturday, and a casual 12 mile warmup, had the enviable task of 2 loops of the hilly dirt course at Bear Creek Park. Julia Stepanov and Neil McDonagh, in order chased after Adam. Along with Adam, Brian Fleischmann and Tom Caughlan were manifesting being anywhere better for the next 7-8 minutes. Over the final leg, BJ Karlik put chum in the water figuratively while Vitaly Stepanov radar locked nearly catching him. James Kaminski completed the final leg and is in the process of petitioning Leadville 100 organizers if he can only run 98.7 miles later this summer, under the 'Time Served' philosophy. 

Final Times were as listed below. Sincere thanks and amazement at official Timekeepers: Sarah Blakeslee and Amy McDonagh; I don't even know what you were doing with the other phones but it made it look way more official for sure.

Post race festivities involved a BBQ and Awards presentation. Robert Stepanov represented the winning team Square. Bringing home the coveted Darius Songalia bobble head trophy. James Kaminski being awarded the top newcomer, with his own long lost full DVD box set of MacGyver . Verdict was that no one at the event died and even reported to marginally be willing to attempt again in the future after speaking with their physician.