On September 6, fans of running around the country will be able to compete along the central boulevards of Sofia in the fifth relay Sofia Ekiden Marathon. The start is at 9 am in front of the National Stadium "Vasil Levski" in the capital city of Sofia. The start will be given by Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, Masato Watanabe. The marathon is part of the 30th edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria. The event aims to promote not only the relay race in Bulgaria but team spirit, as well. For this purpose the participants in the marathon will unite in teams of 6 people. In addition, according to the organizers, the goals of this year's marathon will also include celebration of 134 years of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia; 140 years of the establishment of the Bulgarian diplomatic service; and 15 years of Bulgaria’s membership in NATO.