Athletics SA Winter Season 2026 Ekiden Relay

Saturday, 13 June 2026
Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
Ekiden Half Marathon Relay / Ekiden Marathon Relay
Athletics SA
Official Website

Add to Your Calendar

Select your distance to save this race to your personal race calendar.

Race Schedule & Entry Fees

Distance Date Start Time Entry Fee
Ekiden Half Marathon Relay Leg 1: 3.097km / Leg 2: 2km / Leg 3: 6km / Leg 4: 4km / Leg 5: 2km / Leg 6: 4km Sat, 13 Jun 09:00 $40
Ekiden Marathon Relay Leg 1: 6.195km / Leg 2: 4km / Leg 3: 10km / Leg 4: 8km / Leg 5: 6km / Leg 6: 8km Sat, 13 Jun 09:00 $40

Event Details

Date Saturday, 13 June 2026
Location Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
State SA
Organizer Athletics SA

About This Event

The Athletics SA Winter Season Ekiden Relay at Bonython Park is a team road relay event inspired by the Japanese Ekiden tradition. Six runners share marathon or half marathon legs on roads.

Course Description

The Athletics SA Ekiden Relay takes place on roads around Bonython Park in Adelaide, following the Japanese Ekiden tradition of long-distance relay racing. Six team members each tackle a leg of either the full marathon (42.195km total) or half marathon (21.097km total). Marathon legs range from 4km to 10km, while half marathon legs range from 2km to 6km. The course is on Adelaide roads near Bonython Park, offering a scenic and accessible route. First aid personnel are stationed at the finish line, and bathrooms are available at Bonython Park.

Quick Facts

Date Saturday 13 June 2026
Terrain Road
Location Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
Entry Fee $40 per team (Athletics SA clubs invoiced post-event; general public pre-register via website)
Difficulty Moderate — team relay format, individual legs are manageable
Start Time 9:00 AM (both distances)
Good for Beginners Yes — relay format means each runner only completes a shorter leg

Getting There

Bonython Park is located in Adelaide. Note: the car park adjacent to Port Road is currently closed. Alternate parking is available on Light Terrace, Chapel Street, George Street, Smith Street, and side streets of Phillips Street in Thebarton. A free tram service also runs to Bonython Park. Arrive before 9:00 AM to allow time for team check-in and recorder briefing.

Weather & What to Pack

Mid-June in Adelaide brings cool winter conditions, typically 8–16°C with a chance of showers and overcast skies. Wind can be a factor on exposed road sections. Dress in warm running layers and bring a jacket for before and after your relay leg. Light gloves and a beanie are advisable while waiting. Check the forecast closer to race day for updated conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ekiden relay?

Ekiden (駅伝) is a Japanese term for a long-distance road relay race. Six team members each run one leg to collectively complete either a full marathon (42.195km) or half marathon (21.097km).

How are teams formed?

Athletics SA club members should contact their club to form a team — clubs pre-register by midnight Thursday before the event and finalise names on the day. General public teams pre-register directly via the Athletics SA website.

What are the marathon relay leg distances?

Marathon legs are: Leg 1 — 6.195km, Leg 2 — 4km, Leg 3 — 10km, Leg 4 — 8km, Leg 5 — 6km, Leg 6 — 8km, totalling 42.195km.

What are the half marathon relay leg distances?

Half marathon legs are: Leg 1 — 3.097km, Leg 2 — 2km, Leg 3 — 6km, Leg 4 — 4km, Leg 5 — 2km, Leg 6 — 4km, totalling 21.097km.

Is parking available at Bonython Park?

The main car park adjacent to Port Road is currently closed. Parking is available on surrounding streets including Light Terrace, Chapel Street, George Street, Smith Street, and Phillips Street in Thebarton. A free tram service also runs to Bonython Park.

Last updated: 29 May 2026