America's Ekiden

Tavern on the Green, where the race finished

America's Ekiden, also known as the Asics Cup America's Ekiden or the New York Ekiden, was an international men's ekiden (marathon relay race) held in New York City in 1988 and 1989. Said to be the first Ekiden ever held outside of Japan, it consisted of five-person teams from all 50 U.S. states plus a nation-wide U.S. team against seven other countries.

History

In February 1988, athletes Steve Scott and Mark Curp were first announced to headline the inaugural America's Ekiden to be held on 9 April of that year over a distance of 50 kilometres (31 miles). It was said to be the first Ekiden ever held outside of Japan, and featured $215,000 (equivalent to $553,894 in 2023) in prize money. The course would start at the headquarters of the United Nations and run through Brooklyn and Queens before ending outside Tavern on the Green.

There were 305 runners at the first edition, which was held during windy and cold conditions. The early start time was coordinated to align with prime time in Japan. There were 53 domestic teams, including all 50 U.S. states plus teams representing Washington, D.C., New York City, and an overall U.S. team. The all-star U.S. team finished 2nd behind Ireland, but ahead of Great Britain in 3rd and the Soviet Union in 4th. The California team was the first non-national team to finish in 5th.

The second edition was run on a modified course that was 42 kilometres (closer to the marathon distance) rather than 50 km. It was again won by Ireland over the U.S. in what was described as soggy conditions.

There have been various attempts to host ekidens in New York City since, including the NYCRuns New York City Ekiden beginning in 2012 and the unsanctioned East River Ekiden over 50K in 2024.

Winners

America's Ekiden winning teams

Ed.	Date	Athletes	Split	Team	Time	Ref
1st	9 April 1988	Marcus O'Sullivan	13:55	Ireland	2:25:12 (50 km)
		Frank O'Mara	23:03
		Roy Dooney	36:41
		John Treacy	42:48
		John Doherty	28:47
2nd	9 April 1989	Marcus O'Sullivan	13:47	Ireland	1:58:20 (42 km)
		John Treacy	30:28
		Gerry Curtis	26:17
		Frank O'Mara	20:00
		John Doherty	27:50

Stage bests

Best stage times per year

Year	Stage 1			Stage 2			Stage 3			Stage 4			Stage 5
	Distance	Best time	Athlete	Distance	Best time	Athlete	Distance	Best time	Athlete	Distance	Best time	Athlete	Distance	Best time	Athlete
1988	5 km	13:52	Steve Scott (USA)	8 km	23:00	John Gregorek (USA)	12 km	36:25	Pat Porter (USA)	15 km	42:48	John Treacy (IRL)	10 km	28:47	John Doherty (IRL)
1989	5 km	13:35	Steve Scott (USA)	10.8 km	30:28	John Treacy (IRL)	9.3 km	26:17	Gerry Curtis (IRL)	7.1 km	19:49	Keith Brantly (USA)	10 km	27:50	John Doherty (IRL)

External links

• Team results archive