We are one team, with one goal! 

On Saturday, May 18th, 2019 the 15th EKIDEN Marathon Relay took place in the Szczęśliwicki Park. Intuition does not confuse those for whom “ekiden” sounds a bit exotic. The name comes from Japan, where the first long-distance relay race of this kind was organized. The term originates from the seventeenth-century postal communication system between the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Over a distance of 500 kilometers between these cities, stations (eki) were placed where horses were changed, which significantly accelerated the time of transport. Currently, ekiden races are organized around the world, but they are the most popular in Japan.

Six-person teams took part in the competitions organized in Warsaw and together they covered the distance of the marathon. The first competitor is to run a distance of 7.195 km, two more 10 km, and three more - 5 km each. Together they cover 42.195 km.

DB Schenker Technology Center Warsaw was represented by two teams – both women and men. What is more, both teams supported the action called #BiegamDobrze (charity running in English). This is the first and only initiative in Poland built on the model of charity activity, in which the competitors organize collections for selected charity organizations.

We decided to support the Rak'n'Roll Foundation, which has been taking care of people suffering from cancer for many years. In order to be able to start charity runners had to collect at least 2000 PLN for the Foundation. The collection started a few weeks before the race and the entire DB Schenker Technology Center office in Warsaw was involved in it. We organized e.g. cake market lasting several days, which was very popular among all enthusiast of sweets. In addition, employees could take part in the auction of various interesting items provided by generous donors. With our joint effort, we achieved our goal and our two teams could compete with charity start numbers.

The weather left a lot to be desired from the very morning on the race day. The clouds gave us everything that was promised in the forecasts, enriching the route of the race with impossible-to-miss puddles. Nevertheless, both teams took part in the competition. Faithful fans, equipped with raincoats and umbrellas, cheered the heroic runners with loud shouts. Their support worked and resulted in very good results. The first of the STC teams finished the run with time 3:15:38 and took a great 61st place out of 728 competing teams. The second crossed the finish line after 3:26:57 in a very good 119th  place.

This event showed how much we can achieve as one team, working together for one, common goal. Congratulations go first of all to the athletes who have done their best. Secondly to the fans who have supported both teams, and to all those who have joined the collection for Rak'n'Roll Foundation. Thank you!