Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2024 (organized by JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC), will be held on March 10, 2024. The Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN is pleased to announce the Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2024 Official Ambassador will be Hitomi Shimatani, one of Japan’s leading singer.

■Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden (EKIDEN) to be held for the first time in 5 years

The Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN, inaugurated in March 2013 as Hawaii’s first public relay race for amateur runners, has been enjoyed by locals and visitors as a fun sport entertainment event. The 8th EKIDEN, which was scheduled to be held in March 2020, was cancelled due to the pandemic, the event has not been able to be held due to the prolonged implementation of pandemic control measure. Finally after five years, preparations are underway to hold the event again in March 2024.

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■Support Song for Runners, “Yorihayaku! (Faster)” Chosen as the Official Theme Song for the 2024 Event.

Hitomi Shimatani, a talented Japanese singer from Hiroshima, Japan, has been captivating audiences since her debut in July 1999. Renowned for her versatile vocal prowess and clear, ethereal vocal transcending genres, she has produced numerous chart-topping songs. She has received various accolades including the National Cable Music Broadcasters New Artist Award.
Beyond her musical achievements, Shimatani has made appearances on various radio and TV shows, making a significant impact in the entertainment industry. In 2022, Shimatani released the single ‘Yorihayaku! (Faster),’ created as a support song for runners. This song has been chosen as the official theme song for the 2024 Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN, and she is scheduled to perform the song at a special mini-live event commemorating her appointment as the official supporter on the day before the EKIDEN. Shimatani’s amazing vocal will undoubtedly send encouragement to the participants of the event.

■Event : Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2024
■Location : Honolulu, HI
■Organizer : JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC
■Co-Organizer : JTB Corp.
■Supported by : Honolulu Festival Foundation
■Date & Time : March 10, 2024 (Sun.) 8:00AM start (Kids’ Race start 10:00AM [TBD])
■Course : Kapiolani Park – Waikiki Aquarium – Diamond Head Road (turnaround) – Kapiolani Park (approx. 5Km per lap x5 laps)
■Website ： http://rainbowekiden.com

Hitomi Shimatani Official Supporter Inauguration Mini-Live
■Date ： Saturday, Mach 9. 5:00pm – 5:30pm (TBD)
■Venue： Hawaii Convention Center 1F Stage
■Admission ： Free