The 2025 Hakone Ekiden witnessed thrilling performances as universities fought fiercely for the coveted top ten seed spots on January 3. The climactic competition unfolded dramatically along the routes of Tokyo, with only seven seconds separating Juntendo University from securing their place, falling just short of the qualifying time by which they had passed the qualifying meets the previous year.
Tokyo International University emerged victorious in the battle for the eighth position, showcasing remarkable strategy and tenacity throughout the final leg, commonly referred to as the 10th section of the race. The teams were neck-and-neck, with Toyo University and Teikyo University closely trailing behind, creating intense competition leading to the finish line at Otemachi.
After the ninth section concluded, Toyo University held eighth place, followed closely by Teikyo University at ninth and Juntendo just scraping through at tenth, effectively momentarily creating unease among supporters.
"It was truly terrifying. I was so nervous about when the sprint would come," expressed Toyo's Sakae Kobayashi, who ran his first Hakone Ekiden. Despite his nerves, he exhibited commendable control during the race as he maintained pace and fended off challenges from his rivals.
With tensions at peak levels, the pace quickened dramatically on the final leg, igniting the competition. The lead runners from each school sparred constantly, taking turns raising and lowering acceleration through the thick crowd. With one kilometer to go, Tokyo International's Yoshiki Omura founded the race's most decisive moment—a daring uphill battle. His ferocious sprint initiated the chase, with Toyo's Takuya Usune just one second behind and Teikyo's Sakai Kobayashi trailing by only two seconds.
"I was confident about speed; if only I had the courage to sprint when I had the energy…" lamented Juntendo's Tatsuya Furukawa when they realized their tragic destiny. They buckled down and pushed hard, yet fell short after the grueling exchange with the other top schools, which left them at 11th place.
Reflecting on the high-stakes tension of this year’s competition, it’s worth noting the gratifying achievements of the leading teams. Despite their setbacks, Toyo secured their remarkable 20th consecutive year of seeding rights, underscoring both their athletic prowess and consistency within the competition's history. Meanwhile, Teikyo University secured their right to seed for the second consecutive year, with tremendous pride felt by the coaching staff and team members alike.
The fearless spirit demonstrated by the athletes was palpable, as Teikyo's coach acknowledged the anxiety and pressure experienced by their first-time participant, Kobayashi. "I didn’t think it would turn out like this," he admitted nervously, admiring how Kobayashi faced his racing debut with such grit, confirming the ethos of resilience among the competitors.
Japan's revered Hakone Ekiden continues to build upon its rich history, and the increased competition hails not just from advancements such as innovative racing shoes but also sheer determination and strategic maneuvering among the teams. With two years of intense athletic contrasts paving the way for future participants, one can only anticipate the emotional rollercoaster the next edition will bring.
This year's race was not only intense but also showcased the growth of collegiate athletics across Japan. Skills may improve, but the heart of the Hakone remains the same—painful yet beautiful as the spirit of competition intertwines with the exhilaration captured within every stride. The triumphs and tribulations experienced on such platforms enthusiastically encapsulate the raw human resolve and the undying pursuit of excellence.