Runners across Japan are gearing up for the much-anticipated 2025 New Year's Hakone Ekiden race, known as the 101st Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip University Ekiden. Scheduled for January 2 and 3, 2025, this iconic relay race invites teams from various universities to compete along the challenging 217.1 km course between Tokyo and Hakone.
With the event just around the corner, excitement is building. Last year, Aoyama Gakuin University emerged victorious, breaking the tournament record. The question now is whether they can clinch back-to-back titles, following their previous triumph.
For the upcoming race, teams have submitted their entries, with competitors including top-performing athletes from universities like Aoyama Gakuin, Komazawa, and Soka University. Notably, Aoyama Gakuin's candidates include strong runners such as Sōki Ōta and Kōsei Shiraishi, both of whom are poised to make significant contributions.
Each participating university has set its eyes on not only the prestigious title but also the chance to display their talent on national television. The race will be broadcasted live on Nippon Television, allowing fans to enjoy every moment of the thrilling competition.
Meanwhile, on January 1, 2025, the 69th All Japan Corporate Relay (New Year's Ekiden) will also take place, featuring 37 teams racing on the 100 km course, starting from Gunma Prefectural Office. The relay consists of seven sections, with top teams striving for the title of Japan's best.
Sekino Kousan, representing the Hokuriku Industrial Association, is one of the teams competing this year, returning for their sixth appearance after five years. Their runner, Hiromu Sato, previously won the section prize at the Chubu Hokuriku Corporate Relay, showcasing their talent and determination.
The relay kicks off at 9:15 AM, with runners traversing through cities such as Maebashi, Takasaki, and Ota before concluding back at the Gunma Prefectural Office by approximately 1:50 PM. To accommodate the large crowd expected to cheer for the runners, the prefectural government has arranged for 14 free parking lots capable of accommodating over 2,700 cars along the route.
Traffic regulations will be put in place from about 15 minutes to 45 minutes prior to passing through each point, with significant roads like Route 50 experiencing closed routes during key moments of the race. Spectators are urged to plan accordingly, seeking alternative routes if necessary.
Both races represent more than just competitive events; they embody the spirit of Japanese endurance and teamwork. The student-athletes participating are not just representing their universities but also their families, friends, and communities, showcasing the dedication and hard work they have put forth throughout the year.
TheNew Year's Ekiden has become synonymous with the start of the new year, and it draws viewers from across the country, instilling pride and encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams. With both prestigious races occurring within two days of each other, the beginning of 2025 promises excitement, competition, and inspiring performances.
Anticipation builds as teams finalize their preparations, hoping to make history on these thrilling days of racing. Supporters and spectators alike will be watching closely to see which teams rise to the challenge and claim victory.
With such rich history behind both events, the New Year's Hakone Ekiden and the All Japan Corporate Relay are set to captivate audiences and participants alike as they usher in the fresh opportunities of 2025.