The Kizuna Ekiden 2018– Run for Traffic Safety

The event is being co-organised by the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Tuoi Tre Newspaper, also known as the Youth Newspaper, Japan’s Mainichi Newspaper, and New Race JSC.

The annual event will serve as a chance for police forces and businesses from both countries to enjoy a cultural and sporting exchange, therefore consolidating and strengthening solidarity, friendship, and mutual understanding.

It is also hoped that the occasion will provide traffic safety knowledge and skills to protect children from traffic accidents.

The competition’s organising board will divide participants into two groups, with one named Kizuna and the other known as Ekiden.

Kizuna in Japanese means friendship, while the definition of Ekiden is relay.

Those in the Kizuna group must be made up of four members, with each team containing at least one Japanese and one Vietnamese member. Notably, Vietnamese and Japanese police forces will be competing in the Kizuna group.

Alongside this, teams in the Ekiden group will consist of four members with no restrictions placed on nationality.

Each of the four-member teams will run a total distance of 3.4km during the relay race.

A wide range of prizes will be on offer throughout the event.

Adding more variety to the occasion, renowned Japanese band AKB48 will be travelling to Vietnam to perform at the event. In addition, the group will also be joining other athletes in competing in the race. VOV