EKIDEN – Relay Marathon of Villeneuve d'Ascq

EKIDEN France Environnement Villeneuve d'Ascq ("Le marathon en relais de Villeneuve d'Ascq") is a mass-participation relay marathon held at Stadium Lille Métropole in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. The event follows the traditional Japanese ekiden format with teams of six sharing the marathon distance of 42.195 km across prescribed legs. The course is described as flat and predominantly tarmacked, run on a loop that teams use in various combinations depending on each leg. The organiser highlights past editions and results, confirming the event's standing in the local running calendar.

The event places a strong emphasis on eco-responsibility, with measures such as reusable cups, waste sorting, local catering and drinking fountains promoted to reduce single-use plastic. A family-focused Eki-kids activity runs before the main relay; this children's race is non-competitive and free to enter, and the event provides a kids' zone and on-site animations. Registration information and the detailed regulations are published on the official site, and the organisers list local athletics clubs and community partners among the co-organisers and beneficiaries. The event is presented as part of the Ekiden France Environnement series and is supported by local sponsors and partners.