Hakone Ekiden: The race that stops a nation 

In an age of instant gratification, where brevity is king, it may come as a surprise to learn of this annual sporting event that’s watched by half a nation’s population

NATIONAL INTEREST: The Hakone Ekiden is an 11-hour, two-day relay race in Japan. Last week’s run was watched by approximately 64.7 million people.

Pop quiz: think of an annual sporting event that’s watched by half a nation’s population. Got any?

Before we go on, it’s worth noting that about one in three Americans watch the Superbowl, while between a fifth and a quarter of Irish people watch the All-Ireland finals. About one in eight Brits watch the FA Cup final; same for the Grand National.