The Osaka/Kansai Expo Commemorative ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025 is set to take place on March 16, 2025, stirring excitement as it brings together top corporate teams and university runners to compete for the top spots. Scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, this historic relay race marks the first time elite corporate and university squads will face off against each other, all to mark the upcoming Osaka/Kansai Expo, which starts on April 13, 2025.
According to Osaka TV, "the ACN EXPO EKIDEN is the first where top corporate teams and universities compete together." The race aims not only to showcase athletic prowess but also to energize the city of Osaka leading up to the Expo. The event is expected to draw considerable attention as teams vie for supremacy across seven challenging sections spanning 54.5 kilometers.
The race will kick off at the Expo Memorial Park, winding through Suita City, Toyonaka City, and concluding at Yumeshima, the venue of the Osaka/Kansai Expo. This course has been structured to encourage competitive spirit, with the seven sections varying significantly in distance. Each jump of terrain is thoughtfully planned, featuring lengths such as 8.9 km for the first section and 12.5 km for the longest, which is Section 3.
Participations include top-level corporate teams such as Toyota Motor Corp and several leading universities like Aoyama Gakuin University and Komazawa University. For the corporate division, Toyota Motor previously finished 3rd at the All-Japan Corporate Team Relay Race (New Year Ekiden) held on January 1, which factored heavilyisto their selection for this prestigious event. GMO Internet Group is another notable entry, finishing 4th at the New Year Ekiden and fielding strong athletes.
From the academic sphere, Aoyama Gakuin University brings depth with its competitive history—having placed 3rd at both the 2024 Izumo Ekiden and All Japan University Ekiden. The university’s strong showing at the Hakone Ekiden this past January saw them secure the overall title with remarkable performances, drawing attention to their prowess and readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Upon the official entry announcement made on March 7, 2025, Aoyama Gakuin declared its lineup comprising one 4th-year student, four 3rd-years, two 2nd-years, and five freshmen. The team has strategically placed its ace runners across various sections, ensuring they have the best chance possible at clinching victory.
Following the exciting developments, it is reported by Tokyo Sports, "this event aims to energize Osaka before the Expo," hinting at the significance of public interest and community engagement surrounding the Ekiden. The corporate and university teams will be assembling their best athletes, with the final entries for each section expected by March 15, leading to thrilling anticipation as the competitors prepare to face off head-to-head.
With the race day set for March 16, all eyes will be on the teams as they commence their journeys through the beautifully laid-out course. Conditions are likely to challenge participants; early forecasts predict mild temperatures with possible light rain.
All participating teams are limited to two foreign athletes each, with regulations stating only one can run, contributing to the local flavor of the race and fostering domestic talent. The atmosphere promises to be electrifying, with athletes aiming not only for personal bests but also for pride representing their institutions and corporations.
Indeed, as they lace up their running shoes, the athletes harm their competitive spirit not only for tradition and glory but also contribute to the rejuvenation of Osaka as it prepares to host the world during the exposition. The ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025 stands ready to be more than just another race; it is poised to be a celebration of collaboration, competition, and the athletic spirit.
The final finish line awaits at the Yumeshima venue, but the true victory, as many believe, will come from inspiring the future generations of runners and creating memories for all involved. The excitement surrounding this year's Ekiden brings hope and anticipation throughout the community, as the city of Osaka prepares to shine brightly on the international stage.