What captivates millions of Japanese TV viewers to watch 21 university teams run a  210KM course from Tokyo to Hakone every year? Why do people breakdown in tears when they can't hand over their sweaty sash to their team mates? And why doesn't our guest want to ever run the 6th stage of this event? 

This episode we find out all about the world of Ekiden, a type of long distance road relay event that isn't unique to Japan, but that has certainly captured the national spirit. We talk to Japan Running News' Brett Larner, one of the leading authorities on Japanese running, about the history and significance of this amazing racing.