Over 500 participants are taking part in the Sofia Ekiden (Relay) Marathon. The route passes through the centre of the capital city between the Vasil Levski National Stadium and the National Palace of Culture. The event is held for the tenth consecutive year on the Day of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.

Since the event is under the auspices of the Japanese Embassy in Bulgaria, another anniversary is also celebrated – the 107th anniversary of the world's first relay marathon, which took place in Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun.

The entrants are grouped in six-member teams, falling into six categories. On September 6, they are to cover the distance of 42,195 kilometers.

The Sofia Ekiden Marathon is organized by the Sofia-Europe Youth Sports Club with the support of the Sofia – European Capital of Sport Foundation, Sofia Municipality, the Bulgarian Sport for All Association and the 5kmrun Club.