distance running in Japan

I've read some article today about the distance running in Japan.  One of the most popular distance running called "Ekiden", which means "post transmission".  I can sure that it is coming from ancient Chinese, "Yi Zhan".  It's a road relay race.  In the article, it discusses the rigorous training and seriousness of the Japanese athletes.  We knew that Japanese are serious.  They are serious in every training.  This is one of the reasons that Japan rise so fast after WWII. It worths of thinking and learning by our Chinese, I believe.