Korrika badator. The Run is coming.

The longest relay in the world.

Can you imagine it?  Running day in and day out. A non-competitive run with over 500,000 participants. It takes place over 11 days, covering 1500+ miles to raise money for language courses in your languages. A run like no other with music & a festive atmosphere! It may be hard to imagine if your main language is English, Spanish or Chinese.

A plan. A vision. An initiative was born.

“among criticism on the 'foolishness' of the idea…” 

Due to years of oppression, the Basque language suffered. A movement of Basque supporters arose after the dictatorship and with it came the idea for Korrika. The first Korrika was held in 1980 from November 29 through December 7 from Oñati to Bilboa.  

Since then, almost every other year, the Basque organization Alfabetatze Euskalduntze Koordinakundea, AEK, holds the race. The goal of Korrika is to encourage the use of the Basque Language, show support for Basque learners, provide visibility for the language, and raise funds for the AEK learning centers.

The Relay needs a baton.

The Lekukoa is the baton in Basque.

It’s carried for over 1500 miles, carrying a secret message that’s read at the finish. At times, you may see two people holding it together. Other times just one runner will take the baton. The race is divided into segments that are bought to support the cause. Each section decides who will represent them and who will carry the baton.

A motto and a song for all.

Each edition has a motto, from the 1st:  You too, say yes to Basque to the 22nd motto:  Words and Action. Basque groups and musicians also take part in the mission. Either one band or a mixture of people will sing the theme song. It's a song that is often heard during the run.

The 22nd Korrika kicks off on March 31, 2022, from Amurrio.

The race not only occurs in the Basque Country through the 7 historical provinces but also participants around the world hold their own Korrika. Also, there’s a challenge as well from AEK to other minority language speakers. The challenge is to translate a text that includes the words:  Now is the time for Languages.

So, now is the time for me to challenge you!

What action will you take to help the Basque language or other minority languages around the world?