Nearly 500 participants in a record 78 teams, representing diplomatic missions, ten teams of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, government institutions, business companies, sports club athletes and amateurs, took part in the 42 kilometer race.

The team winners were Home Ministry Academy 1 in the men's open category, Dream Team in the mixed category, Flying Spaghetti in the mixed fee category and Voracious in the women's open category.

The Chairman of the Children, Youth and Sports Committee of the Sofia City Council, Dimitar Shalafov, who also chairs the Board of Directors of the Sofia European Capital of Sport Foundation, and the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, Hisashi Michigami, welcomed the participants and gave the start of the competition. relays at 9:00 in front of the "Vasil Levski" National Stadium.

The Sofia Ekiden Marathon, which is held under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, traditionally takes place on September 6, the day of the unification of Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria. To highlight the occasion, the participants are grouped into teams of six, divided into six categories.

The marathon consists of six consecutive legs of 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km and 7.195 km.

Alongside the 139th anniversary of the Unification, this year's marathon also honored the 107th anniversary of the world's first relay marathon in Japan.

The event is organized by the Sofia Sports Club of Europe with the support of the European Capital of Sport Sofia Foundation, the Municipality of Sofia, the Sport for All Association and the 5kmrun Club. /BTA