In a shocking twist during a Women's Ekiden relay race in Japan, no runners emerged at one of the relay points. The race, which reportedly went as planned until this unexpected incident, has stirred various reactions within the sports community. The reasons behind the absence of runners at the relay point are currently under investigation. This unexpected incident has put both the organisers and the participating teams in the spotlight, as they scramble for an explanation.

The Ekiden relay race is a popular long-distance event in Japan, often held as a major sports event with considerable fanfare and public attention. Socially, sportsmanship, cooperation, and endurance are highly valued in these events. Legally, rules are strictly applied and deviations can result in sanctions or disqualifications for teams.

The incident is comparable to unexpected issues that occasionally occur during marathon relays in the US or EU, such as runners missing their turns or dropping the baton. Typically, these events also involve an immediate investigation into the incident, with full transparency reported to the public and possible penalties for the parties involved.